By Kabiru Abdulrauf
The rift in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has taken a dramatic turn as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) stormed the streets of Abuja to protest what they describe as an attempt to sabotage local refineries, particularly the Dangote Refinery.
The protest, which began at the Unity Fountain, saw hundreds of students marching to the National Assembly to demand that labour unions, especially the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), stop actions that could cripple the operations of local refineries and worsen the country’s fuel crisis.
The students were, however, barred from entering the National Assembly complex, alongside Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti and several motorists. Undeterred, NANS leaders addressed journalists at the gate, reading out their demands before submitting a petition to National Assembly staff.
Protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as “Let our refineries work, let Nigeria work,” “Economic freedom starts with local refining,” and “Dangote refinery means jobs, stop the jealousy.”
Speaking during the protest, the National Coordinator of the movement warned labour unions against frustrating employers of labour like Aliko Dangote, urging the Federal Government to intervene decisively to resolve the ongoing rift.
He also stated that the protested as a warning, hinting that the action will be held across three geopolitical zone, which include Abuja for the Northern region, Lagos for the Western region and Asaba for the eastern region.
“Youths are critical stakeholders in the Nigerian project. If a patriotic citizen decides to invest massively to boost forex inflow and job creation, it makes no sense for anyone to sabotage that effort,” he said.
He also emphasized that allowing local refineries to thrive could significantly bridge Nigeria’s unemployment gap and reduce dependence on fuel imports.
Another youth speaker called on the government to address the structural weaknesses in the Nigerian economy and find lasting solutions to recurring industrial disputes.
“We’re not saying PENGASSAN shouldn’t exercise their rights,” he said, “but their actions are hurting ordinary Nigerians. If Dangote Refinery works, there will be relief.”
The protest underscores growing frustration among young Nigerians over the economic impact of the refinery dispute, which has already led to fuel scarcity in major cities nationwide.
As tensions persist, observers say the face-off between Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN could test the government’s resolve to balance workers’ rights with national economic stability.
