Pastor Adeboye Calls for Prayers Against Sabotage of Dangote Refinery

By DAYO ADESULU

Clergyman Highlights Challenges Facing Nigeria’s Only Functional Refinery Amidst Oil Cabal Interference

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has called upon Nigerians to pray for divine intervention in light of alleged efforts by unscrupulous oil marketers to undermine the operations of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. His remarks came during the November 2024 Abuja Special Holy Ghost Service themed ‘Total Restoration.’

Key Remarks by Pastor Adeboye

1. Allegations of Sabotage:

• Without directly naming the Dangote Refinery, Pastor Adeboye alluded to ongoing attempts by certain oil marketers to prevent the refinery from functioning effectively. He referenced the historical sabotage of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries, which have long been plagued by mismanagement and inefficiencies.

1. Significance of Dangote Refinery:

• The Dangote Refinery, located in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, is currently the only facility refining petrol in Nigeria. Adeboye emphasized that the refinery represents hope for the nation, stating, “God raised someone to build a refinery that works.” He expressed concern that some entities are working against its success to maintain their profit from fuel imports.

1. Critique of Fuel Imports:

• The pastor questioned the continued reliance on imported fuel despite Nigeria being a major crude oil producer. He highlighted the irony of having four public refineries that are non-functional while a private refinery operates successfully.

“Are we under a curse?” he asked, underscoring the failure of public refineries after years of heavy investments.

4. Impact of Fuel Subsidies:

• Adeboye criticized the detrimental effects of fuel subsidies on Nigeria’s economy. He noted that while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to end the subsidy in 2023 was largely welcomed by the public, it angered oil marketers who had benefitted from the regime.

4. Call for Unity and Prayer:

• The pastor urged unity among Nigerians to support local initiatives like the Dangote Refinery and to pray for the nation’s restoration amidst economic challenges. He pointed out that ordinary citizens are suffering the consequences of the ongoing conflicts in the oil sector.

Challenges Facing the Dangote Refinery

1. Pressure from Oil Marketers:

• Despite the Dangote Refinery’s capability to meet Nigeria’s entire demand for petroleum products and even export excess fuel, oil marketers are reportedly pressuring the government to maintain fuel imports. This ongoing tension poses challenges to the refinery’s operations and profitability.

1. Access to Crude Oil:

• Pastor Adeboye claimed that oil marketers have formed alliances with international oil companies and other powerful interests to restrict access to crude oil for the Dangote Refinery. This forces the refinery to import crude from countries like the U.S., which undermines its operational efficiency.

1. Economic Ramifications:

• The pastor highlighted how the actions of these marketers are contributing to rising prices of essential goods, negatively impacting ordinary Nigerians. As import pressures continue, the Nigerian Naira has faced depreciation, exacerbating the economic strain.

Industry Response

1. Support for Local Refining:

• The Crude Oil Refineries Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) has called for government protection of local refineries from unfair competition posed by importers and international petroleum traders. This aligns with the provisions in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which aims to promote the growth of local refining capabilities.

1. Public Sentiment:

• The public sentiment surrounding the Dangote Refinery is mixed, as many hope for its success to stabilize fuel supply and prices. However, the actions of oil marketers and potential government responses will be closely watched as the situation develops.

Conclusion

Pastor Adeboye’s call for prayers and support for the Dangote Petroleum Refinery sheds light on the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s oil sector. The ongoing struggle between local production and importation highlights the need for a strategic approach to bolster domestic refining while addressing the interests of various stakeholders in the industry.

Next Steps for Stakeholders

• Advocacy for Local Refining: Stakeholders, including CORAN and other industry leaders, should advocate for policies that protect local refineries from unfair competition and ensure their viability.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Efforts to educate the public about the benefits of supporting local refineries can help shift sentiment and increase support for domestic production.
• Government Engagement: Continued dialogue between the government, IPMAN, and local refiners is essential to navigate the complexities of the oil market and ensure a balanced approach to energy supply in Nigeria.