Northern Elders Forum has condemned what it's called unpatriotic onslaught against Dangote Refinery in some quarters calling for a ceasefire in this direction.

 

The Forum in a statement issued and signed by its Convener, Prof. Ango Abdulahi at the end of it's meeting in Abuja said the ongoing drama is being orchestrated by some powerful vested interests, to frustrate the good example which the nation's leading investor and foremost African entrepreneur, Alh. Aliko Dangote represents, by defying all formidable odds to build a private-owned world class, ultramodern petroleum refinery in Nigeria.

 

The Forum noted that Dangote refinery, which is reputed to be the biggest single-train refinery in the world, is a technological marble that showcases the most advanced innovation in the trade field and also the symbol of our national pride.

 

It maintained that the remarkable business feat, which ordinarily should instantly earn him national encomium and accolades, has paradoxically ignited the malicious fury of enemies of the  country, who are strategically located in the Oil and Gas sector of the economy and have been wrecking havocs over the years.

 

According to the statement, for thirty (30) years, the vested interest that runs the NNPC cartel, ensured that the nation's four refineries were rendered comatose and incapable of refining the badly needed Petroleum to meet our domestic consumption. 

 

It added that Nigeria became the object of global ridicule, as it remains only OPEC member nation without refining capability and heavily dependent on mass importation of oil and other derivatives.

 

The Northern Elder Forum reiterated that Nigerians, who mostly bear the brunt of escalating cost of fuel pump prices, frequent fuel shortages and the rampant poverty and joblessness which some of these unwholesome insider and shoddy business deals clearly perpetuate, will no longer fold their patriotic arms and allow a few well entrenched powerful individuals to continue taking the economy of the nation hostage.

 

NEF, while welcoming and taking judicious note of the timely action taken by the Honorable Minister of state for Petroleum Resources, Mr. H. Lukoberi to arrest this worrisome situation, restated its determination to stand resolute with Alh. Aliko Dangote in defense of this gigantic business stride which signifies the dawn of prosperity for our people.