A massive citizens’ rally in support of the Dangote Refinery and other local refining initiatives caused a major gridlock on the Asaba-Onitsha Niger Bridge, as thousands of Nigerians poured into the streets demanding government protection for local refineries and decisive action against what they described as “oil cartel sabotage” undermining Nigeria’s economy.
The protesters, drawn from civil society organizations, students’ unions, labour groups, market associations, and youth movements, converged under the umbrella of Partners for National Economic Progress (PANEP) for what they termed the “Mega Citizens Rally Against Economic Sabotage.”
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Stop Petroleum Importation Now,” “Encourage Local Refineries,” “Dangote Refinery Is a Blessing to Our Economy,” and “Oil Cartels, Stop the Sabotage,” the demonstrators called for an end to systemic obstruction against local refining efforts.
Their message was clear: Nigeria must prioritize crude oil allocation to local refineries, especially the Dangote Refinery, to safeguard jobs, stabilize the economy, and achieve energy self-sufficiency.
Security operatives were stationed around the bridge to ensure order as the peaceful demonstration, though impactful, brought vehicular movement across the bridge to a standstill for several hours.
Addressing the crowd, PANEP Convener, Comrade Danesi Momoh, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to domestic refining and urged the Federal Government to sustain the momentum by guaranteeing consistent crude supply to local refineries at fair and transparent rates.
“This rally is a call to action, to save the Dangote Refinery and other local investors from the grip of unpatriotic cartels who have benefited from decades of fuel importation,” Momoh declared.
“This movement is about economic liberation and the protection of our national interest.”
The rally, which followed similar demonstrations in Abuja and Kaduna earlier in October, also saw speakers decry the alleged conspiracy of vested interests within oil unions and marketers to frustrate domestic refining.
“Dangote Refinery has faced relentless attacks from those who profit from Nigeria’s dependency on imported fuel,” said another youth leader, Comrade Olamide Odumosu.
“It is unpatriotic and shameful that anyone would attempt to sabotage a project that promises jobs, lower fuel costs, and national pride.”
PANEP leaders accused some industry unions and marketing associations of working against the refinery’s success, branding such actions as anti-national.
“We say enough is enough. Nigeria must reclaim its petroleum sector for Nigerians. The Dangote Refinery represents hope, innovation, and economic independence,” Odumosu emphasized.
Other speakers, including Comrades Adeyeye Olugbenga, Igwe Ude-Umanta, Omaga Daniel, Jabir Maiturari, and Solomon Adodo, echoed similar sentiments, urging Nigerians to stand united in defense of national economic assets.
The protesters also called on the media, policymakers, and patriotic citizens to resist misinformation and propaganda allegedly sponsored by interests opposed to local refining.
As the rally drew to a close, the organizers reiterated their support for President Tinubu’s economic reforms and demanded that all government agencies align with the national goal of self-sufficiency in petroleum production.
“We will not allow vested interests to derail Nigeria’s progress,” the group declared.
“Supporting the Dangote Refinery is not about one man, it is about our collective future.”
