The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, (BON), has issued a stern call for a thorough investigation into allegations of a conspiracy against ?angote Refinery, a critical asset in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Recall that the Vice-President of Oil and Gas at ?angote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, recently voiced concerns over potential efforts to undermine the refinery, which is acclaimed as one of the best globally.
In an issued press statement yesterday, BON emphasised the need for the Nigerian government to take immediate and decisive action against any attempts to destabilise the country’s economic progress.
Executive Secretary of BON, Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose, highlighted that the allegations, if true, could have severe repercussions for Nigeria’s economy.
He said, “The Government should be seen actively investigating these claims and safeguarding our economic interests from both internal and external threats”.
Dr. Bamgbose underscored the historical context of international pressures against Nigerian economic policies, citing past instances where foreign entities allegedly opposed measures aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s economy.
He recalled how Nigeria’s 2015 monetary policy, intended to boost the value of the Naira and encourage local production, faced significant opposition from several powerful foreign nations at a World Trade Organisation (WTO) meeting.
“The current allegations of using crude oil with high sulfur content at Dangote Refinery have similarly drawn international scrutiny, which BON views as a tactic to hinder Nigeria’s economic independence.
“These foreign investors often seek to acquire Nigerian assets at undervalued prices and exploit them for significant profit”, said Dr. Bamgbose.
He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to mandate a comprehensive investigation to verify the claims made by the leadership of ?angote Oil and Gas, part of the larger Aliko ?angote Conglomerate.
BON’s call for action highlights the broader narrative of perceived international efforts to stifle Nigeria’s economic growth and emphasizes the need for robust measures to protect and nurture local industries.
The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) is a coalition dedicated to promoting the interests of broadcasting professionals and protecting the integrity of media practices in Nigeria.
