African Energy Chamber Condemns Smear Campaign Against Dangote Refinery

The NGO is accused of attempting to undermine the refinery’s significance and Nigeria’s climate ambitions by commissioning a critical article from Nigerian journalist David Hundeyin.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has strongly condemned the alleged smear campaign by the independent non-profit organization Dialogue Earth against the Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest refinery with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. The NGO is accused of attempting to undermine the refinery’s significance and Nigeria’s climate ambitions by commissioning a critical article from Nigerian journalist David Hundeyin.

Accusations Against Dialogue Earth:

Dialogue Earth allegedly sought to mobilize Hundeyin to write an article questioning the environmental impact of the Dangote Refinery and its alignment with Nigeria’s climate goals.

The NGO reportedly offered Hundeyin USD $500 for the article, which was intended to highlight supposed contradictions and concerns about the refinery’s environmental impact.

AEC’s Position:

The AEC criticized the tactics of Dialogue Earth, asserting that the NGO’s efforts to use an African voice to criticize the refinery reflect a biased agenda aimed at stalling African energy development.

NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC, emphasized the critical role that the Dangote Refinery plays in reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel, increasing the availability of clean, locally-sourced petroleum, and creating job opportunities.

Refinery’s Role in Energy Transition:

Nigeria’s stance is that oil and gas are central to its energy transition strategy, aiming for a “just transition” that balances emission reductions with economic growth and energy access.

The Dangote Refinery is expected to enhance environmental protection by reducing the sulfur content in fuels and decreasing the need for imported petroleum, which often contains high levels of toxic waste and sulfur.

Geopolitical and Environmental Implications:

The article allegedly aimed to explore the geopolitical implications of Nigeria’s expanding oil industry and the motivations behind the Dangote Refinery.

The AEC argues that such criticisms ignore the refinery’s positive impact on the Nigerian economy and its role in contributing to global fuel stability.

Broader Critique of Western NGOs:

The AEC pointed out that Dialogue Earth’s actions are part of a broader pattern of western NGOs attempting to undermine oil and gas projects in Africa, citing other examples such as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline and LNG projects in Mozambique.

The AEC argues that these efforts hinder Africa’s development, exacerbate energy poverty, and impede progress towards building strong, democratic institutions.

The AEC fully supports Hundeyin’s stance against Dialogue Earth and views the NGO’s campaign as an attempt to use African voices to advance a Western agenda that hampers Africa’s energy development. The AEC advocates for a more balanced and supportive approach to African energy projects, which are crucial for the continent’s economic and developmental progress.