Adeyanju slams Dangote Refinery over sudden fuel price hike, calls it exploitative

Human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has criticised businessman Aliko Dangote over the recent hike in petrol prices, describing it as exploitative and harmful to Nigerians.

Adeyanju accused the Dangote Refinery of taking advantage of the ongoing conflict involving Iran to justify what he called an unjustified increase in pump prices.

He argued that the refinery sources crude oil locally within Nigeria and benefits from a federal government directive allowing the Nigerian National Petroleum Company to sell crude to it in naira. According to him, the development raises questions about the basis for the sharp price adjustment.

Adeyanju further contended that the petroleum products currently being distributed were refined before the recent escalation of tensions in the Gulf region, insisting that Nigerians should not bear additional costs linked to international developments that did not impact existing stock.

He also expressed concern over what he described as the refinery’s near-monopoly status, alleging that the government appears either reluctant or unable to regulate its pricing decisions.

The activist concluded that increasing fuel prices under the current economic conditions places further strain on already struggling citizens.