Coalition of Yoruba Youth and Students Movement (COYSYM) hereby passes a Vote of Confidence on the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the leadership of Alhaji Aliko Dangote for its significant contribution to Nigeria’s energy security, domestic refining capacity and the stability of petroleum-product supply.
COYSYM considers it important to appreciate the Dangote Refinery within the realities of the international oil market. Global crude oil prices have recently crossed the $100-per-barrel mark, driven by heightened geopolitical tensions, supply disruptions, and concerns surrounding major international oil transportation routes. These developments have created substantial pressure across the global energy market, with consequences for the cost of refined petroleum products, transportation and general economic activity.
Against this challenging global backdrop, COYSYM recognizes the strategic importance of having a major refinery operating locally in Nigeria. The Dangote Refinery has emerged as an important pillar of Nigeria’s refining ecosystem, reducing dependence on imported refined petroleum products and providing the country with greater capacity to respond to international supply disruptions.
We acknowledge that petroleum-product pricing is influenced by several factors, including crude oil prices, foreign-exchange conditions, logistics, refining costs and international product benchmarks. Therefore, NAOS believes that public discussions about fuel prices must be based on facts and the realities of the global energy market rather than sentiments or political assumptions.
The recent increase in global crude prices makes the role of domestic refining even more significant. Current reports indicate that the Dangote Refinery has also adjusted its gantry prices in response to market conditions. Nevertheless, COYSYM believes that the refinery’s continued operation at large scale provides Nigeria with an important strategic advantage at a time when international fuel markets are experiencing considerable volatility.
We therefore commend Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the entire management of Dangote Industries for the vision, courage and long-term investment that made the refinery possible. The refinery’s ability to operate at substantial capacity during a period of international supply disruption demonstrates the importance of building domestic productive capacity rather than relying excessively on imports.
COYSYM particularly recognizes the broader economic implications of the investment: strengthening local refining capacity, supporting employment and industrial activity, improving energy security and creating the possibility for Nigeria to become a more significant exporter of refined petroleum products within Africa.
The recent performance of the refinery has also demonstrated its growing strategic importance. Reuters reported that the refinery reached full capacity and that Dangote Industries is pursuing an expansion that could take refining capacity to approximately 1.4 million barrels per day by 2029.
DANGOTE: A SYMBOL OF PRIVATE-SECTOR PATRIOTISM
COYSYM believes that patriotism should not only be measured by government policies but also by the willingness of Nigerian entrepreneurs and institutions to make long-term investments that contribute to national development.
In this regard, Alhaji Aliko Dangote deserves commendation for committing enormous capital to an industrial project of strategic national importance.
His investment in refining, petrochemicals and related industries represents a significant demonstration of confidence in Nigeria’s economic future.
While COYSYM acknowledges that Dangote Refinery remains a private commercial enterprise and must operate within market realities, we equally believe that businesses of strategic importance should be encouraged to maintain transparency, fairness and consumer sensitivity in their operations.
COALITION OF YORUBA YOUTH AND STUDENTS MOVEMENT DECLARES DANGOTE A MAN OF THE YEAR 2026
In recognition of his contribution to Nigeria’s industrial development, energy security and economic transformation, the Coalition of YorubalandandStudentsMovement( COYSYM) recognizes Alhaji Aliko Dangote as its “Man of the Year 2026”, subject to the organization’s formal award and recognition process.
This recognition is not merely about wealth or business success. It is about the significance of investing in productive capacity, creating industries, supporting employment and demonstrating that large-scale Nigerian-owned businesses can compete within the global economy.
COALITION of Yoruba Youth and Students Movement therefore calls on Nigerians, particularly young people, to support productive investment, entrepreneurship, innovation and industrialization while also demanding accountability, transparency and responsible corporate conduct from both public and private institutions.
We further encourage the Federal Government and relevant regulatory authorities to create an enabling environment for domestic refineries and other productive industries to thrive, while ensuring that consumers are protected from unfair practices.
Nigeria must move from a consuming economy to a productive economy.
The future of Nigeria’s energy security cannot depend solely on imported petroleum products. The country must continue to strengthen domestic refining, local production, industrial capacity and value addition.
COYSYM remains committed to constructive advocacy, economic patriotism and policies that place the long-term interests of Nigerian students, youths and citizens at the centre of national development.
Signed:
Comrade Olalere Benedict Adetunji
National President
Coalition of Yoruba Youth and Students Movement (COYSYM)
07061830662
