A coalition of business and civic groups has warned that any disruption to operations at the Dangote Refinery could plunge Nigeria into a new wave of economic instability, with ripple effects across multiple sectors.
The warning comes amid reports of lingering disputes between refinery management and oil workers’ unions. The group noted that the refinery is not only central to Nigeria’s quest for energy self-sufficiency but also a major pillar in fertilizer production, transport, and electricity supply.
“Any disruption in refinery operations will cause a chain reaction — from fuel scarcity to higher food prices, reduced power generation, and declining investor confidence,” the coalition said in a statement.
The groups appealed to both parties to adopt dialogue and avoid confrontation, stressing that the refinery is a national economic asset whose stability must be protected. They further noted that Nigeria, after years of depending on imported refined products, cannot afford a setback in its biggest industrial breakthrough.