By Benson Daniel
The National Association of Polytechnic Students has warned that the ongoing dispute between the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and Dangote Refinery could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s energy security, economic stability and the welfare of students.
The student body urged the regulator to avoid any action that could disrupt the loading and truck out of petroleum products from the Dangote Refinery, describing the facility as a strategic national asset whose continued operation is important to domestic fuel supply.
NAPS National President, Jimoh Ibrahim, said the disagreement should not be allowed to escalate into a situation that would affect the availability of petroleum products or place additional pressure on households and businesses.
He said the association supports responsible regulation, accountability, safety and compliance with existing laws, but would oppose regulatory measures that could undermine national interests or impose avoidable economic costs on Nigerians.
According to Ibrahim, the refinery has strengthened Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity, created employment and business opportunities, supported local industries and provided an avenue for reducing the country’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products.
He argued that any disruption to petroleum supply would have consequences beyond the oil and gas industry, with students and their families likely to feel the impact through higher transportation costs and increased prices of goods and services.
“When the petroleum sector is disrupted, students feel the consequences directly,” Ibrahim said, noting that rising fuel costs could increase pressure on families already struggling with school fees, transportation and daily upkeep.
NAPS therefore called on the Federal Government and relevant authorities to intervene and ensure that the dispute does not become a wider threat to domestic energy security or economic stability.
The association urged the NMDPRA to address any legitimate regulatory concerns through transparent and lawful processes rather than actions that could frustrate the operations of the refinery.
It also warned against a return to a situation where Nigeria becomes heavily dependent on imported petroleum products because of inadequate domestic refining capacity.
Ibrahim recalled the difficulties associated with the country’s government owned refineries over the years, arguing that Nigeria should avoid creating another cycle of operational uncertainty around a major domestic refinery that is now contributing to local production.
He stressed that regulatory oversight remained necessary but should be balanced with the broader economic interests of the country.
The intervention comes amid a renewed disagreement between the NMDPRA and Dangote Refinery over regulatory issues surrounding the facility’s operations and the loading and movement of petroleum products.
The refinery has previously emerged as a major source of locally refined fuel following the commencement of petrol production in 2024. Its large scale capacity has also changed the structure of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market and increased expectations that domestic refining can reduce reliance on imported products.
NAPS said any prolonged disruption could have ripple effects across the economy, particularly if it results in fuel shortages or higher prices.
For students, the association said the consequences could include more expensive transportation to schools, higher living expenses and additional financial pressure on families responsible for education and upkeep.
The group consequently appealed for dialogue and professional engagement between the regulator and the refinery, insisting that disagreements over regulation should not be allowed to undermine the broader interests of Nigerians.
NAPS further stated that if there were genuine compliance or safety concerns, the appropriate authorities should address them within the framework of the law and established regulatory procedures.
The association warned that any deliberate attempt to sabotage, cripple or unnecessarily shut down the refinery would prompt it to mobilise students and relevant stakeholders for lawful and peaceful action.
It maintained that protecting domestic refining capacity should be treated as part of Nigeria’s broader economic and energy security strategy.
As the disagreement continues, the student body’s intervention adds pressure on the relevant authorities to find a resolution that preserves regulatory standards while avoiding disruptions to domestic petroleum supply.
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