It has become unmistakably clear that the true adversary of the Nigerian people is their very own government. The unveiling of the Dangote Refinery has stripped away the layers of deception, exposing those who have long held the masses hostage. The launch and subsequent production of refined petroleum products at the Dangote Refinery should have been met with jubilation and national pride. Instead, it has been tainted by suspicion and resistance. As the refinery was preparing to commence production, the Nigerian government began to act like a man whose darkest secrets were on the verge of exposure.

First, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) raised complaints, claiming they had no crude oil to supply to the Dangote Refinery. They even suggested that Dangote should look elsewhere to source crude for his operations. When the public began to voice their displeasure, NNPC backpedaled, expressing concerns over Dangote’s potential monopoly, vowing to continue the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol.

Amid these controversies, the President remained eerily silent. Why? Because the success of Dangote’s refinery posed a direct threat to his own vast business interests in the oil sector. The truth behind the long-running fuel subsidy scam was now at risk of being exposed. In an attempt to protect his oil empire, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in collaboration with NNPC, made several moves to derail the smooth launch of operations at Dangote’s refinery. Accusations were suddenly leveled against Dangote’s products, claiming they were of inferior quality due to high sulfur content—an allegation designed to discredit his refinery.

Faced with the potential collapse of his multibillion-dollar investment, Dangote fought back. He revealed that some highly placed government officials owned refineries and oil interests in Malta, and it was their vested interests that fueled the campaign to sabotage his refinery. This revelation alone forced the government and NNPC to retreat, fearful of further exposure of their deep-seated corruption in the oil sector.

However, unwilling to relinquish control of their lucrative oil monopoly, NNPC extended an olive branch to Dangote, but with strings attached. They imposed conditions on the refinery, ensuring they remained the sole buyer of its products. In essence, NNPC continues to dominate the petroleum sector, just as it did before the Dangote Refinery began operations. The big question remains: what are NNPC and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration trying so desperately to hide? Why are individuals and businesses not allowed to purchase refined products directly from the Dangote Refinery?

Once again, the Nigerian people’s hope for affordable petroleum products has been dashed by the APC government. A government that rose to power on the promise of a “Renewed Hope” agenda has turned its back on the very people it swore to uplift. Instead, it has chosen the path of deception, leaving the masses poorer and more vulnerable. Transparency has been discarded, replaced with impunity, recklessness, and a blatant disregard for the welfare of the citizens. NNPC, which by law is now a public limited liability company, has become a tool of oppression, used by the powerful to enforce opaque oil dealings and exploit the masses.

One might be tempted to blame Dangote for bowing to NNPC’s influence, but the reality is that he had little choice. To safeguard his multi-billion-dollar investment, he had to comply with a superior force capable of ruining everything he had worked for. Recent statements from Dangote himself hint at regret for establishing the refinery in Nigeria’s hostile business environment. Any leader with vision would recognize the immense benefits of refining crude oil domestically, whether publicly or privately owned. The advantages are clear: reducing foreign exchange outflows, strengthening the local currency, creating thousands of jobs, and stimulating an expansive value chain that would bolster the economy.

For the sake of Nigeria’s future, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration and NNPC must embrace transparency in the downstream oil sector. It is time to release the stranglehold they have placed on the nation’s economy and allow Nigerians to breathe the air of relief that comes from genuine economic reform.