An energy expert, Dan Kunle, has labeled the criticisms directed at Dangote Refinery by some petroleum marketers in Nigeria as cheap blackmail. Speaking during an interview with Arise News on Tuesday, Kunle emphasized that the operations within Nigeria’s oil sector have long been shrouded in secrecy. However, he believes that the establishment of Dangote Refinery has illuminated the industry.
Kunle described the $20 billion facility as a transformative project that has put an end to decades of inefficiency and reliance on imports. His comments come amid a conflict between Dangote Refinery and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
He criticized unions and petroleum marketers for their lack of investment in domestic refining, accusing them of preferring endless negotiations while “Dangote has brought light from the heavens to the earth.” He urged marketers to mobilize resources and negotiate with the federal government to take over existing state-owned refineries instead of attacking a private investor.
Kunle accused local importers of undermining the national interest by importing inflation into the economy, while asserting that Dangote has introduced transparency and competitiveness to the sector. He stated, “In the last two years we have been talking, talking, talking. That is the problem of Nigeria, talk, talk, talk, no action.”
He further challenged marketers, asking why they were afraid of price drops if they were not also willing to reduce their prices. “This small blackmail they want to bring, I call it cheap blackmail,” he added.
Kunle warned that ongoing attacks against the privately owned refinery could deter other potential investors and inadvertently strengthen Dangote’s market position. “If all this noise continues to distract Dangote refinery and new potential investors, it means they will reinforce the status of Dangote to be the single player,” he said.
Commenting on the rollout of 10,000 CNG-powered trucks, Kunle argued that infrastructure growth must accompany development. He called on leadership to support private sector initiatives with necessary infrastructure investments. “Dangote is building roads more than anybody in this country, except the federal government,” he concluded.
“Where the private sector has made efforts in this regard, the government must ensure infrastructure development is a priority to accommodate this new innovation,” he stated.
#NUPENG #DangoteRefinery #Nigeria #EnergyExpert #OilSector #InfrastructureDevelopment #CNGTrucks #EconomicReform
