The Nigeria Coalition Group and the Yoruba Council Worldwide on Tuesday held a solidarity protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly in support of the Dangote Refinery and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The protesters, led by Aare Oladotun Hassan, called for stronger government backing for the Dangote Refinery and the swift implementation of policies aimed at protecting local refining and boosting Nigeria’s energy independence.
Addressing journalists during the protest, Hassan urged the Federal Government to impose a 15% import duty tariff and enforce a total ban on the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). He also appealed for the allocation of 100% crude oil supply to the Dangote Refinery to enhance its operational efficiency and contribution to national energy security.
Hassan accused the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), led by Comrade Festus Osifo, of allegedly attempting to undermine the refinery through “premeditated orchestrations, deceitful narratives, and unfounded allegations.”
He further alleged that the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) was lobbying the Federal Government to extend importation waivers until the first quarter of 2026 — a move he described as detrimental to the refinery and to Nigeria’s quest for economic self-reliance.
The protesters were received by Hon. Noheen Adam, who represents Ibeju-Lekki, and the Clerk of the House, on behalf of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa. The lawmakers assured the demonstrators that their concerns would be communicated to the Speaker and addressed appropriately.
Hassan said the rally was a demonstration of solidarity with both the Dangote Refinery and President Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing that sustained support for local industries remains vital to the success of Nigeria’s Renewed Hope and economic transformation agenda.
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