The Young Christian Fellowships in Nigeria Without Borders (YCFNB) has launched a 14-day prayer and fasting campaign to “shield the Dangote Refinery from its enemies” amid a heated standoff with oil workers.
Running from 15 to 29 September, the programme comes in response to strike threats by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), which has accused the refinery of breaching workers’ rights.
In a fiery statement, YCFNB slammed the union for “reckless posturing” that could spark fuel scarcity and economic turmoil. It described Aliko Dangote as “a patriot under siege” for resisting “powerful cabals benefiting from fuel importation”, insisting his $20bn refinery was a “beacon of hope” for the country.
“Dangote’s refusal to yield has invited vilification, yet his resilience radiates integrity and national pride,” the group declared, urging Christians nationwide to join daily prayers for “divine protection” over the 650,000-barrel-per-day facility.
The warning came as NUPENG threatened nationwide action, accusing the refinery of flouting a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed earlier this month. The union claims workers, including tanker drivers, were barred from displaying union stickers — a move it called “anti-labour”.
Dangote Industries has denied the allegations, stressing that employees are free to unionise and pointing out that over 30 refinery licences have been issued to private players, refuting monopoly claims.
But tensions remain high, with NUPENG placing members on “red alert” and warning of industrial unrest if the agreement is breached. Stakeholders fear a strike could cripple fuel supply and trigger another round of nationwide scarcity.
YCFNB, however, insists any attempt to sabotage the refinery will be met with “mass outrage”, saying its success offers Nigeria a path to economic stability.
