The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has raised alarm over alleged attempts to monopolize Nigeria’s energy sector, announcing protests across the South-South region on July 28. The group specifically targeted the Dangote Group in its criticism, while expressing support for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
NDYC National Coordinator Israel Uwejeyan stated, “Monopolistic control of the energy sector threatens to stifle competition, innovation, and efficiency. It places an enormous amount of power in the hands of a single entity.”
The youth organization claims that the Dangote Group is pressuring petroleum product marketers to use its refinery exclusively, despite concerns about product quality. The NDYC argues this move could compromise national energy security and hinder local business growth.
“Our local enterprises and youth must have the opportunity to participate actively in the energy sector,” Uwejeyan emphasized.
The planned demonstrations aim to urge the federal government and NNPCL to resist what the NDYC describes as monopolistic demands. The group is calling for stricter regulations to ensure fair competition in the energy market.
Neither the Dangote Group nor NNPCL has yet commented on these allegations.
The NDYC’s actions highlight ongoing tensions surrounding competition and regulation in Nigeria’s vital energy sector, which is crucial to the country’s economy and development.