By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has revealed that it was divine inspiration that led Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote to establish the Dangote Refinery in the country.
Speaking during the November 2024 Abuja Special Holy Ghost Service, Adeboye praised Dangote’s initiative, emphasizing that it was a response to Nigeria’s ongoing struggles with inefficient state-owned refineries.
Adeboye pointed out that despite Nigeria’s status as a major oil producer, the country had been unable to properly refine its crude oil, leading to a heavy dependence on fuel imports.
He expressed his frustration over the continual failure of the government-run refineries, which have consumed billions in funds without delivering results.
In contrast, Dangote, despite not being from Adeboye’s community or even a Christian, took the bold step to build a refinery with the aim of alleviating the suffering of Nigerians.
However, Adeboye also raised concerns about a conspiracy involving oil marketers and international oil companies (IOCs), which he claimed are working to undermine Dangote’s refinery.
According to Adeboye, these parties are trying to prevent the Dangote Refinery from operating at full capacity, opting instead to keep Nigeria reliant on fuel imports.
He urged Nigerians to seek divine intervention to overcome these challenges, calling out the unscrupulous actions of some oil marketers who aim to continue profiting from fuel imports.
In a related development, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) recently reached an agreement to buy fuel directly from Dangote Refinery.
However, despite this agreement, Nigerians are still facing high petrol prices, with some retail outlets selling fuel at ₦1060 and ₦1200 per liter.