by Michael Dibie, Abuja
The National Association of Nigeria Students, (NANS) has warned enemies of progress sabotaging the revitalization of Nigeria’s petroleum industry to desist from doing so. The student body gave the warning at the capital, Abuja in a protest to display their displeasure with the rift between Dangote and the petroleum industry Association.
According to the National President of the group, Comr Olushola Oladoja, the warning actions taking place in Abuja, Asaba and Lagos is a coordinated signal to the Nigeria government and the industry actors that the students and youths of this country are fully awake.
“This is only a warning action, but let it be known any further attempt to frustrate, sabotage, or deliberately impose anti-investment policies on the survival of private refineries will lead to total occupation of Federal Highways across all 36 states including the FCT by Nigerian students”.
He stated that in Most developed economies, national interest comes first adding that Nigeria must learn from this and discourage the importation of petroleum products from friendly nations in order to protect our economy and employment.
He reiterated that the emerging conspiracy against private refineries is well noted. “The latest manifestation of this conspiracy is the unconstitutional attempt by PENGASSAN to impose union membership on workers of the Dangote Refinery” which her termed as an act of coercion and a direct violation of section 40 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“This imposition is therefore, a calculated attempt to frustrate Dangote Refinery and other emerging private investments in the sector”.
The student body however, demands that the Federal government through the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other appropriate agencies must make an open commitment to give supply priority of crude oil to Nigerian refineries, including private refineries like Dangote and BUA.
Impose an immediate end to the selling of crude oil to foreign refineries at cheaper rates than those offered to local refineries.
Comr Olushola said that the student body is firmly in support of industrial growth, job creation, and economic independence adding that the body will not fold its arms while internal saboteurs destroy the hope of a new Nigeria.
