A faith-based human rights group, the Muslim Rights Concern, has urged oil sector unions to reconsider their stance on Dangote Refinery, citing the potential benefits of reduced petrol prices for Nigerians. The call comes amidst threats of strike action by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers over a disagreement with Dangote Refinery regarding worker unionization.

According to the group’s founder, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, a strike in the oil sector at this time could undermine ongoing economic reforms and lead to fuel shortages. Akintola noted that the emergence of Dangote Refinery has already had a positive impact on petrol prices, which have decreased significantly since the refinery began operations. The price of petrol has dropped from around N1,300 to N860 or N900, depending on the location.

The Muslim Rights Concern has appealed to the unions to cooperate with Dangote Refinery, allowing Nigerians to benefit from the reduced petrol prices. The group believes that the unions’ demands could lead to increased middlemen intervention, which would drive up prices. Instead, the group advocates for diminished middlemen influence, which would keep prices down.

The Nigerian government has made significant progress in economic reforms, with a GDP growth of 3.13% in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing the 2.27% growth in the same period in 2024. The inflation rate has also decreased to 21.88% in July 2025, compared to the previous year. The government is keen to maintain this momentum and is counting on the cooperation of all stakeholders, including the oil sector unions.

The Dangote Refinery has already attracted international attention, with Ethiopia recently signing a $2.5 billion deal to build a massive fertilizer plant. The United States has also imported over two million barrels of Dangote’s jet fuel in March 2025. The Nigerian government is eager to protect investments in the oil sector and ensure that the gains from economic reforms are not undermined by aggressive unionism.

The Muslim Rights Concern has reminded Nigerians that Dangote’s policy of reducing middlemen influence will keep prices down, and has urged traditional rulers, opinion leaders, and all men of goodwill to persuade the unions to reconsider their stance. The group believes that it is essential to protect Dangote Refinery and allow it to continue operating, as this will benefit the Nigerian people and attract more investments to the country.