Students in Ibadan, Oyo State, have staged a peaceful protest in support of Dangote Refinery, calling on President Bola Tinubu to protect the multi-billion-dollar facility from sabotage. Learn everything about the demonstration, its message, and what it means for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Introduction
In a significant show of solidarity, students from various tertiary institutions in Ibadan, Oyo State, took to the streets to stage a peaceful protest in support of Dangote Refinery. The demonstration, held on Tuesday, October 8, 2025, was aimed at urging the Federal Government of Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu to protect the Dangote Refinery project from what protesters described as “sabotage and undue interference” by some industry stakeholders.
The protest, which drew hundreds of students, youth leaders, and civil society representatives, has become one of the most talked-about events in the Nigerian energy and education sectors this week.
Background: Why Students Are Supporting Dangote Refinery
The Dangote Refinery, located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos State, is Africa’s largest oil refinery and a landmark project valued at over $20 billion. Commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023, the refinery is designed to process 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, significantly reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
However, recent reports of alleged industrial disputes, pricing disagreements, and claims of sabotage from some oil marketers and union groups have raised concerns among Nigerians. Many fear that these disputes could undermine the operations of the refinery — a project many view as Nigeria’s gateway to energy independence.
The Peaceful Protest in Ibadan
Who Organized the Protest?
The demonstration was organized by key student groups, including:
- National Association of Oduduwa Students (NAOS)
- Coalition of Yoruba Students
- Yoruba Youth Movement
These groups gathered at the Iwo Road Roundabout before marching through major streets of Ibadan, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs in support of Aliko Dangote and his refinery project.
Placards and Slogans
The protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as:
- “Don’t Kill Dangote Refinery!”
- “Stop Sabotaging Nigeria’s Energy Future!”
- “End PENGASSAN’s Hostility to Progress!”
- “Dangote Refinery Is a National Asset!”
- “Support Local Refining, End Fuel Importation!”
The march, which lasted for several hours, was peaceful. Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), were on the ground to maintain order and ensure safety.
Students’ Message to the Federal Government
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Comrade Olalere Adetunji, National President of the National Association of Oduduwa Students (NAOS), emphasized that the Dangote Refinery is not just a private business, but a national treasure that holds the key to Nigeria’s economic stability and industrial growth.
According to Adetunji:
“We are out today to show our support for Dangote Refinery. We cannot sit back and watch some vested interests sabotage a project that is capable of transforming Nigeria’s economy and creating millions of jobs. We call on President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately.”
He urged the Federal Government to protect the refinery from those “who benefit from the importation of petroleum products” and are allegedly working to frustrate local refining.
Why the Dangote Refinery Matters to Nigerians
1. Economic Independence
For decades, Nigeria has spent billions of dollars annually importing refined petroleum products. The Dangote Refinery offers the potential to end this dependency, thereby saving foreign exchange and improving Nigeria’s balance of payments.
2. Job Creation
The refinery project has already created thousands of direct and indirect jobs for engineers, technicians, marketers, and local contractors. Students believe that sustaining the refinery will open more employment opportunities for graduates and skilled youths across the country.
3. Energy Security
The refinery ensures a steady supply of petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, and kerosene for domestic consumption, reducing fuel scarcity and price volatility that often affects Nigerian consumers.
4. Industrial Growth
By supplying raw materials to petrochemical and manufacturing industries, the Dangote Refinery could serve as the backbone of Nigeria’s industrial revolution, supporting economic diversification beyond crude oil exports.
Students Urge Tinubu to Act Swiftly
The protesters specifically called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), and Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas) to take decisive action to prevent what they called “a coordinated sabotage” by oil unions and marketers.
They emphasized that labour disputes and monopoly interests should not be allowed to derail a project that has the potential to bring relief to millions of Nigerians battling high fuel prices.
“Dangote Refinery symbolizes hope, progress, and national pride. The government must not allow selfish interests to frustrate it,” one of the student leaders stated.
Reactions Across Nigeria
The Ibadan protest has sparked conversations across social media platforms such as Twitter (X), Facebook, and Instagram, with hashtags like #SupportDangoteRefinery, #ProtectLocalRefining, and #EndFuelSabotage trending nationwide.
Many Nigerians have praised the students for taking a stand on a national economic issue, describing the movement as a “youth awakening” in support of local industrialization.
On the other hand, some analysts have urged caution, advising that both the Dangote Group, labour unions, and petroleum marketers should resolve any misunderstanding through dialogue rather than public confrontation.
Broader Implications for Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector
The protest is a reflection of the deep frustration among Nigerians over persistent fuel challenges. Despite being a top oil producer, Nigeria still imports most of its refined products, which makes the Dangote Refinery a game-changer for:
- Reducing subsidy pressure
- Creating regional energy trade opportunities
- Strengthening the naira through foreign exchange savings
- Encouraging other private investments in refineries and gas projects
Possible Government Response
Observers believe that the Federal Government may soon issue a statement to reassure Nigerians of its commitment to protecting the refinery. There are also speculations that a high-level committee may be formed to mediate between PENGASSAN, DAPPMAN, and the Dangote Group to ensure that operations continue smoothly.
Industry experts are optimistic that the government will prioritize the refinery’s stability as part of its economic recovery and energy transformation agenda.
Conclusion
The peaceful protest in Ibadan by Nigerian students marks a new phase in civic activism — one focused not just on politics or education, but on national economic sustainability. Their message is clear: the Dangote Refinery represents hope for a self-reliant Nigeria.
Protecting the refinery from sabotage and industrial conflicts will determine how quickly Nigeria can achieve energy independence, industrial growth, and youth empowerment.
