The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on Friday cautioned the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) against any action that could hinder operations at the Dangote Refinery, describing the project as critical to national economic stability.

NANS National President, Olushola Oladoja, in a statement, stressed that the refinery, with a refining capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, represents “the collective destiny of over 200 million Nigerians.”

He noted that Nigeria’s current daily fuel consumption averages about 550,000 barrels, underlining the refinery’s potential to achieve self-sufficiency and open export opportunities.

“With Nigeria’s average daily fuel consumption standing at about 550,000 barrels per day, this refinery has the potential to make our nation self-sufficient and create room for export, thereby changing the narrative of fuel importation,” Oladoja said.

The NANS president urged all stakeholders, including the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and NUPENG, to prioritise national interest over individual or union gains.

He warned that students would resist any group, domestic or foreign, attempting to frustrate the project.

“This is a battle for the survival of our economy and the dignity of our nation,” Oladoja stated.
Oladoja also commended Aliko Dangote, founder of the refinery, for his investment in Nigeria, describing it as a demonstration of patriotism.

“Dangote’s decision to invest massively in Nigeria rather than abroad is proof of his love for the country,” he said. He added that the refinery would provide employment and support the economy for future generations, emphasising that “this is not just about a refinery. It is about survival, sovereignty, and the dignity of our nation. NANS is watching, and we will not allow vested interests to mortgage our future.”

The warning comes amid ongoing tensions between NUPENG and the Dangote Group. On September 9, 2025, Dangote and NUPENG signed a government-mediated Memorandum of Understanding affirming refinery workers’ constitutional right to unionise.

Within two days, NUPENG accused the company of acting in bad faith by instructing truck drivers to remove union stickers and report for loading, a move the union described as intimidation. Dangote dismissed the claims as “cheap blackmail.”

The industrial dispute highlights the fragility of labour relations at Africa’s largest refinery, which NANS insists must be protected for the broader national interest. Oladoja urged all parties to adhere to agreements and ensure uninterrupted refinery operations.