The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is calling on the Federal Government to sell crude oil to the Dangote Refinery in local currency, insisting the step would help reduce fuel costs and boost domestic refining capacity.

Lagos State NLC Chairperson, Funmi Sesi, made the appeal during a visit to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertilizer Plant in Lagos alongside members of the Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN). She argued that forcing the refinery to purchase crude in dollars—whether imported or locally sourced—undermines the goal of cheaper fuel for Nigerians.

“Nigeria has abundant crude oil. So why should Dangote be importing or paying in foreign currency for what we produce here?” Sesi asked, adding that selling crude in Naira would lower operational costs and drive sustainable price reductions.

She praised the refinery’s role in stabilizing pump prices, creating jobs, and producing Euro-5-compliant fuel that meets international environmental standards. She also highlighted the contributions of Dangote Fertilizer Company to agricultural productivity and food security.

Dangote Industries Vice President for Oil and Gas, Devakumar Edwin, announced plans to deploy 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks nationwide to reduce transportation costs and ensure consumers feel the full benefit of local refining.

The NLC’s call aligns with the Federal Government’s stated commitment to its “Crude and Refined Product Sales in Naira” policy, designed to ease foreign exchange pressures and strengthen the nation’s energy security.