Organized under the banner of Partners for National Economic Progress (PANEP), the demonstration, themed “National Unity Against Sabotage.

Reclaiming Our Petroleum Sector for the People,” called for urgent government action to shield the multi-billion-dollar refinery from what they described as “systematic attacks” by fuel import cartels.

The march began at Murtala Mohammed Square, moving through Alkali Road, Ali Akilu Road, Ahmadu Bello Way, and Muhammadu Buhari Way, with protesters carrying placards reading “Protect Local Refining,” “End Fuel Import Cartel,” and “Support Dangote Refinery.” 

PANEP leader Igwe Ude-Umanta, addressing the crowd, framed the protest as part of a nationwide campaign launched in Abuja on October 2 to protect Nigeria’s economy from forces intent on perpetuating fuel import dependency.

“This is a national liberation effort,” Ude-Umanta declared. “The cartel that destroyed our public refineries and textile industry now targets the Dangote Refinery. We won’t let them succeed.” 

Drawing parallels with Kaduna’s collapsed textile sector, he accused the cartel of replicating past sabotage tactics to stifle local refining. Ude-Umanta also criticized the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), labeling their recent actions “economic terrorism” and accusing them of aiding importers.

PANEP demanded an end to fuel imports or the imposition of heavy tariffs to protect domestic refining, arguing that such measures would expose price manipulation and corruption by importers. 

Another speaker, Dahiru Maishanu, called for the arrest of PENGASSAN’s leadership, accusing them of sabotaging the economy under the guise of unionism.

The protesters urged President Bola Tinubu, who also serves as the Minister of Petroleum Resources, to intervene decisively by ensuring local refineries, particularly Dangote Refinery, receive crude oil on terms comparable to those offered to foreign refiners.