In a significant show of solidarity, the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has mobilized overwhelming support for the recently inaugurated Dangote Petroleum Refinery, describing it as a transformative milestone for Nigeria's economic landscape.
Historic Endorsement for Energy Giant
The student body, representing polytechnic institutions across Nigeria, has issued a powerful statement championing the $19 billion refinery project located in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos. This massive industrial complex represents Africa's largest oil refinery and the world's biggest single-train facility.
Comrade Owoeye Samuel, Senate President of NAPS, emphasized that the refinery symbolizes Nigeria's capability to achieve industrial self-sufficiency. "This project demonstrates what Nigerians can accomplish when we channel our resources and expertise toward national development," he declared.
Economic Renaissance and Job Creation
The association highlighted the refinery's potential to revolutionize Nigeria's economy through:
- Massive employment opportunities for Nigerian youth and technical graduates
- Substantial reduction in petroleum product imports
- Strengthening of the Naira through foreign exchange conservation
- Development of technical skills and industrial expertise
- Ancillary industries and supply chain opportunities
Call to Action for Nigerian Citizens
NAPS has launched a nationwide campaign encouraging Nigerians to actively support the refinery's operations. The student leaders urged citizens to:
- Patronize locally refined petroleum products
- Resist negative narratives about the project
- Celebrate this achievement as a national victory
- Support other indigenous industrial initiatives
"The success of Dangote Refinery is our collective success," Comrade Owoeye stressed. "Every liter of fuel produced here represents a step toward economic sovereignty."
Technical Education and Industrial Synergy
The association particularly emphasized the opportunities this creates for polytechnic graduates, noting that the refinery's operations require extensive technical expertise that aligns perfectly with the skills developed in Nigeria's polytechnic system.
With the refinery projected to meet 100% of Nigeria's refined petroleum needs and even generate surplus for export, NAPS believes this marks the beginning of Nigeria's industrial renaissance.
