Ibadan Students Protest Over Dangote Refinery Concerns, Demand Presidential Intervention | The Bureau News
By Enemona Samuel Endurance, Ibadan
The Bureau News reports that students under the umbrella of the National Association of Oduduwa Students (NAOS) took to the streets of Ibadan this morning in a peaceful protest over perceived plots by PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and other oil sector cartels to frustrate operations at the Dangote Refinery.
Despite the early morning rain, the protesters marched from major junctions in Ibadan towards the Agodi Secretariat, the seat of the Oyo State Government, where they intend to submit a petition for onward transmission to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Protesters Accuse Oil Unions of Undermining National Interest
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Protect Dangote Refinery” and “NUPENG, Don’t Kill Nigeria’s Hope,” the students accused the unions of working against the economic independence that the refinery represents. They also commended the refinery’s role in easing the recent fuel scarcity and long queues nationwide.
Speaking with journalists from The Bureau News, NAOS President Comrade Olayemi Olalekan said the refinery symbolizes national pride and job creation. “We cannot allow selfish interests to cripple the one project restoring confidence in Nigeria’s industrial capacity,” he declared.
Call on Tinubu to Protect Dangote Refinery Investments
The students urged President Tinubu to wade into the issue and ensure that the Dangote Refinery — one of Africa’s largest privately owned energy facilities — receives government protection from sabotage. They warned that any attempt to destabilize the refinery could worsen inflation, food prices, and living costs already affecting families across the country.
According to foodstuff price list Mile 12 Lagos today and foodstuff price list Wuse Market Abuja today, market analysts have linked energy costs and fuel supply disruptions to the steady rise in food prices across major Nigerian cities.
Economic Impact and Student Advocacy
The Bureau News gathered that NAOS plans to extend the protest to other major cities if authorities fail to address their grievances. They also vowed to picket offices of NUPENG and PENGASSAN nationwide until their concerns are acknowledged.
Meanwhile, economic observers warn that prolonged fuel disputes could impact transportation and logistics — sectors that directly affect market prices of essential goods and commodities.
Today’s Top Food Prices in Lagos & Abuja — The Bureau News
| Item | Mile 12 (₦) | Wuse Market (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Rice (50kg) | 64,000 | 67,500 |
| Beans (50kg) | 58,500 | 61,200 |
| Garri (50kg) | 23,800 | 24,600 |
| Palm Oil (25L) | 35,000 | 37,200 |
© 2025 The Bureau News — All rights reserved.