Afe Babalola to FG: Allow Dangote Sell Petrol at Lower Rates 

Dangote Refinery

Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) in Ado-Ekiti, has called on the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to allow Dangote Refinery to sell fuel directly to Nigerians at a lower rate. Babalola criticized NNPCL’s monopoly, saying it prevents Nigerians from benefiting from potentially lower fuel prices. 

Babalola Questions NNPC’s Control 

While receiving the “Outstanding Achiever of All Time” award from the Ekiti-Kete Coalition in the United States, Babalola expressed his concerns about rising fuel prices. He questioned why Dangote, after investing heavily in building a refinery, must sell fuel to NNPCL first before selling to the public. If Dangote invested his resources to build a massive refinery, why should NNPC insist on him selling to them first before selling to the public? Let anyone capable of building a refinery do so and sell directly to the people, which would help reduce the price,” he said. Babalola added that ending NNPC’s monopoly could lead to lower fuel prices for Nigerians. 

Appreciation for Lifetime Achievements 

Speaking of the award, Babalola thanked the Ekiti-Kete Coalition for recognizing his contributions to education, healthcare, and development in his community. He noted that while people in Nigeria may not always acknowledge such efforts, it’s encouraging to be recognized by those living abroad. I do not know why it must take those living in America to appreciate me when the people here do not,” Babalola remarked. He encouraged more Nigerians to appreciate the efforts of others in the country. 

Let anyone capable of building a refinery do so and sell directly to the people, which would help reduce the price. There should be no NNPC monopoly. Allow Dangote to sell at his rate, and the price will decrease.” — Afe Babalola 

Ekiti-Kete Coalition Praises Babalola’s Impact 

Joe Olugbamila, President of the Ekiti-Kete Coalition in the USA, praised Babalola’s numerous achievements in education, law, agriculture, and humanitarian efforts. Presenting the award at ABUAD, Olugbamila said, “Afe Babalola is not just a person but an institution. If we have more people like him, Ekiti and Nigeria would be greater. 

In conclusion, Afe Babalola’s call to end NNPCL’s monopoly reflects the growing demand for more competitive fuel pricing in Nigeria. By allowing Dangote and other refinery owners to sell directly to the public, Babalola believes fuel prices could drop, providing much-needed relief to Nigerians. His continued advocacy for progressive change, both in the energy sector and across various fields, remains a testament to his enduring commitment to national development.