The Energy Reforms Advocates of Nigeria (ERAN) has raised an alarm over an alleged plot by some powerful Nigerians to sabotage operations of the Dangote Refinery and other local refineries.

It alleged plans by the relevant authorities to cut the supply of crude oil to the Dangote Refinery, saying the move would force the facility to operate below capacity and undermine its ability to meet domestic demand.

ERAN, led by Daniel Clarke, in a statement yesterday, claimed that if perfected, the development would lead to increased reliance on fuel imports, higher costs, and a return to the dreaded fuel queues.

The organisation alleged that a powerful cabal within a government agency was unsettled by the refinery’s success, which it argued, threatens to “expose their long-standing inefficiencies and corrupt practices.

“The cabal allegedly aims to frustrate the refinery’s operations and portray it as unreliable,” Clarke said.

The group praised the Dangote Refinery’s recent decision to lower fuel prices during the Yuletide season, describing it as a bold statement of its commitment to Nigerians.

IN a similar vein, a civil society organisation, under the aegis of the Movement for Anti-Corruption, Integrity and Transparency Initiative, has condemned the recent outburst by former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the capacity of the Nigeria National Petroleum Cooperation (NNPCL) to manage state refineries.

It stated that the condemnation had allegedly revealed the ex-leader as someone who did not want to see the state-owned refineries working.

The group, in a statement signed by its President, Goodway Jackson, and National Secretary, Mohammed Kuda, claimed that Obasanjo’s comment was hinged on an age-long grudge against NNPCL soon after he left office as Nigerian leader.

Meanwhile, the Alliance on Surviving Covid and Beyond (ASCAB) has called on NUPENG and PENGASSAN to intensify their historical struggle to counterpoise the renewed campaign for the privatisation of the refineries.