A series of protests are set to take place across Nigeria’s South-South region on July 28, organized by the Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC). The group is rallying against what it claims are attempts to monopolize the country’s energy sector, with particular focus on the activities of the Dangote Group.
NDYC National Coordinator Israel Uwejeyan expressed concern over the potential consequences of monopolistic practices in the energy industry. “Energy security is a vital component of national security,” Uwejeyan stated. “Allowing a single entity to dominate the sector compromises our ability to ensure a reliable and affordable energy supply for all Nigerians.”
The youth organization alleges that the Dangote Group is pushing for exclusive control over the distribution of certain petroleum products, despite questions about the quality of its refinery’s output. The NDYC argues that such moves could have far-reaching implications for the economy and energy security.
In its statement, the NDYC called for government intervention to prevent monopolization and promote fair competition. The group expressed strong support for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) in resisting what it terms as “selfish demands” from the Dangote Group.
The planned protests aim to draw attention to these issues and pressure authorities to take action. “We will not sit idle and allow Dangote to selfishly monopolize the energy sector,” Uwejeyan declared.
As of this report, representatives from the Dangote Group and NNPCL have not responded to requests for comment on the NDYC’s allegations.
The situation underscores ongoing debates about the balance between private sector involvement and fair competition in Nigeria’s critical energy industry.