In a bold move that could reshape Nigeria's energy landscape, student organizations across the nation are rallying behind a single demand: give the Dangote Petroleum Refinery 100% of Nigeria's crude oil allocation.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of University Students (NAUS) have jointly appealed to President Bola Tinubu, arguing that this strategic shift would finally end the country's dependence on imported petroleum products.
The Student Proposal
According to student leaders who spoke at a press conference in Abuja, the proposal involves:
- Directing all of Nigeria's crude oil production to the Dangote Refinery
- Ensuring the refinery operates at maximum capacity
- Creating a sustainable domestic supply chain for petroleum products
- Eliminating the need for expensive fuel imports
Promise of Economic Relief
The student groups made a compelling promise: if their proposal is implemented, they will ensure there are no further student protests against fuel price increases. This comes as many Nigerians continue to struggle with the economic impact of subsidy removal.
"We believe that if the Dangote Refinery receives all our crude oil, it will produce enough petroleum products to meet our national demand," said a student representative. "This will naturally lead to lower prices at the pump and economic stability."
Broader Implications
The students' demand highlights growing frustration with Nigeria's paradoxical situation: being a major crude oil producer that imports most of its refined petroleum. The Dangote Refinery, with its 650,000 barrels per day capacity, represents a potential solution to this long-standing challenge.
Industry experts note that full crude allocation to the refinery could indeed transform Nigeria's energy sector, though the practical implementation would require careful planning and coordination between government agencies and the private sector.
As the debate continues, all eyes are on President Tinubu's administration to see how it will respond to this youth-driven initiative that promises both economic relief and energy security for Africa's most populous nation.
