NANS urges Dangote Refinery, NMDPRA to embrace dialogue, eschew confrontation

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on both Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to embrace dialogue, mutual respect, and institutional integrity in the interest of national peace and progress.

The student body in collaboration with concerned civil society organisations across the country, made the call in a statement on Monday in Abuja, following the recent allegations and media narratives targeted at the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Engr. Farouk Ahmed.

The statement was jointly signed by Comrade Samson Ajasa, Adeyemi Public Relations Officer, NANS and Mr. Humphrey Jonathan, National Coordinator, Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and made available to newsmen in Abuja.

The statement described the recent outburst by Dangote Refinery as unwarranted, saying NMDPRA is a statutory regulatory authority of the Federal Government of Nigeria, established by law to carry out its responsibilities independently, professionally, and in the national interest.

“The Authority can not and must not be coerced, intimidated, pressured, or blackmailed to serve the interest of any individual or corporate entity, regardless of status or influence.

“As Nigerian students and youths, we have consistently demonstrated our patriotism and support for indigenous industrial growth. We stood in solidarity with Dangote Refinery when it was necessary to advocate for full operational take-off, policy support, and the ‘crude-for-naira’ arrangement with the federal government. We strongly believe in local production, economic growth, and job creation.

“However, we draw a firm red line at character assassination, media trials, and reputational attacks against credible public servants. The recent actions and allegations directed at Engr. Farouk Ahmed, a man of proven integrity, professionalism, and service to the nation, is totally unacceptable to Nigerian students and civil society groups.

“We caution that dragging regulatory matters into the media space, rather than engaging appropriate government channels, is unhealthy for national stability and capable of creating unnecessary tension that could escalate into avoidable protests and unrest across the country.

“If Dangote Refinery as a private entity has grievances or concerns, the proper approach is to engage relevant government institutions and regulatory bodies through established legal and administrative frameworks, not through media wars or campaigns capable of undermining public confidence in national institutions.

“We commend the leadership of NMDPRA for its recent commitment to transparency, particularly the publication of regulatory reports and activities. This is a positive development that aligns with global best practices and demonstrates that the agency is moving in the right direction.

“We call for Collaboration, not confrontation, partnership, not blackmailing, synergy, not intimidation, unity, not division.

“Nigeria’s development requires cooperation between regulators and investors, not dirty games or personal attacks. We strongly stand in solidarity with Engr. Farouk Ahmed and urge all stakeholders, including Dangote Refinery, to embrace dialogue, mutual respect, and institutional integrity in the interest of national peace and progress,” NANS stated.

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