Comrade Mujahid Zaitawa, the Coordinator of the Northern Youth Merger Group in the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on the leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to desist from actions capable of crippling the operations of the Dangote Refinery, warning that such moves are dangerous to Nigeria’s economic stability and unity.
Zaitawa made the remarks while addressing journalists during a peaceful demonstration organized by Northern youths at the National Assembly complex in Abuja. The protesters expressed their unwavering support for Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and denounced what they described as a coordinated attempt by some interests to frustrate the refinery’s operations through misinformation and undue pressure.
In his statement, Zaitawa said Aliko Dangote’s refinery represents a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s industrial journey, adding that it has created thousands of employment opportunities for Nigerians, particularly young professionals, many of whom have relocated from Lagos and other parts of the country to take up positions in the refinery’s operations.
“The Dangote Refinery is more than a private venture; it is a national pride — a project that has repositioned Nigeria as a major player in Africa’s energy landscape,” Zaitawa stated. “Any attempt to sabotage this investment is an attempt to sabotage Nigeria’s progress.”
He accused some political elements of instigating the ongoing tension around the refinery, alleging that the campaign against Dangote is part of a larger plan to distract President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and destabilize his administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, “Those behind this plot are not fighting for labour interests. They are playing politics with the nation’s future. Their aim is to create disaffection between the President and the North, thereby weakening the unity of the ruling party and slowing down economic reforms.”
Zaitawa urged President Tinubu to remain focused and not allow himself to be dragged into the controversy, insisting that the Dangote Refinery should be seen as a symbol of national resilience and economic sovereignty.
He called on Nigerians, especially the youth, to rise above sectional sentiments and rally behind genuine efforts that promote industrial growth and job creation.
“The Dangote Refinery is a legacy project that represents hope for millions of Nigerians,” he said. “It must be protected from politics, sabotage, and envy. Supporting Dangote is supporting Nigeria’s future.”
