The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has expressed strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reform policies, particularly his recent approval of a 15 percent import duty on petrol and diesel. The student body described the move as a bold step toward reviving Nigeria’s refining sector and achieving true energy independence.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday from the Office of the President of the Senate, NAPS declared its full backing for the Dangote Refinery, calling on the Federal Government to take stronger measures to protect and prioritize local refining capacity over import dependence.
According to the statement, “Nigeria must process its own crude, create jobs, end needless import dependency, and put the future of Nigerian youth ahead of narrow short-term profit.”
The association described the 15% import duty as a “policy that recognizes truth and begins the work of correcting decades of dysfunction in Nigeria’s petroleum sector,” adding that it sends a clear signal that “Nigeria will not allow its energy market to be undercut by cheaper, often subsidized imports while domestic investors like the Dangote Refinery struggle to compete.”
While commending the Dangote Group for building Africa’s largest private refinery—capable of processing about 650,000 barrels per day with plans to expand to 1.4 million barrels—NAPS emphasized that for the facility to reach its full potential, the Federal Government must ensure consistent and guaranteed crude oil supply to local refineries.
Key Demands by NAPS
NAPS outlined several policy demands aimed at securing Nigeria’s energy future and protecting domestic investors. These include:
- Total Ban on Fuel Importation:
The association called on President Tinubu to go beyond the 15% duty and institute a full ban on refined fuel importation, similar to the rice import ban under former President Muhammadu Buhari. - 100% Priority Crude Allocation to Local Refineries:
NAPS demanded that local refineries, especially the Dangote Refinery, be given full access to Nigerian crude before any export allocations are made. - Investigation and Scrapping of Saboteur Unions:
The association accused some unions in the oil sectorspecifically PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and DAPMAN of frustrating the performance of government-owned refineries and undermining national self-sufficiency. It called for an independent probe and possible deregistration of any union found guilty of anti-national activities. - National Campaign for Local Production:
NAPS urged the Federal Government and educational institutions to launch a “Refine Nigeria, Buy Nigeria” campaign to promote patriotism, local consumption, and youth employment. - Legislative Backing:
The association called on the National Assembly to enact a Local Refining Protection and Development Act to criminalize actions that sabotage domestic refining efforts or obstruct crude supply to local refineries.
Strong Warning to Saboteurs
In a strongly worded statement, NAPS issued a “stiff warning” to oil sector unions and marketers allegedly frustrating the success of the Dangote Refinery and other domestic facilities. The association vowed to mobilize polytechnic students nationwide for peaceful and lawful protests if such activities continue.
“Any further calculated or uncalculated moves by PENGASSAN, NUPENG, DAPMAN, and their cohorts to sabotage national interest will be met with resolute action from Nigerian students across the federation,” the statement warned.
NAPS maintained that its advocacy will remain peaceful and democratic, emphasizing that “the students of our polytechnics will not sit idle while the future of our country is undermined.”
Appreciation for President Tinubu
The association expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his “bold, courageous, and transformational” economic policies aimed at strengthening local industries and empowering Nigerian youths.
“We encourage the President to remain steadfast in implementing reforms that protect local industries and unlock opportunities for Nigerian youth,” the statement read.
Conclusion
Reaffirming its commitment to national progress, NAPS stated that as long as crude oil flows beneath Nigerian soil, “it must be refined by Nigerian hands for Nigerian progress.”
The association pledged to continue speaking truth to power, defending national assets, and resisting any form of economic sabotage from individuals or organizations, no matter how influential.
