Modular refineries in Nigeria back Dangote's claims of sabotage by oil "mafias." They seek President Tinubu's intervention to ensure crude supply for domestic refining, accusing cartels of profiting from fuel imports.
Modular refineries in Nigeria have thrown their weight behind Aliko Dangote's concerns over alleged attempts by certain "mafias" in the oil sector to sabotage domestic crude refining efforts. The Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) confirmed that they have raised similar concerns in the past but received no positive feedback.
According to CORAN's spokesperson, Eche Idoko, these "merchants" have held the country, hostage, particularly in domestic petroleum product supply, crippling the entire economy. Idoko questioned who the current government is engaging with on issues related to supply, energy efficiency, and stakeholder involvement.
Dangote had recently revealed that both local and international cartels tried to sabotage his $19 billion refinery project through various means, including denying him access to crude oil. He described the "mafia in oil" as stronger than the "mafia in drugs."
CORAN argued that the mafias are fighting Nigeria's self-sufficiency in crude refining because they profit from importing petroleum products. The association called on President Tinubu, who is also the Minister of Petroleum Resources, to clarify the government's policy thrust on domestic refining.
