Protecting Nigeria's Economic Progress: The Urgent Need for Security and Oversight

By Abiola Akanbi 

As Nigeria strives for economic growth and self-sufficiency, recent events have raised concerns about potential sabotage and inefficiency in key sectors. The fire incident at Dangote Refinery on June 26, 2024, highlights the need for enhanced security measures and regulatory oversight to prevent such occurrences.

The Dangote Refinery, a critical infrastructure aimed at reducing Nigeria's reliance on imported fuel, was engulfed in flames, raising fears about the country's ability to meet its energy demands. Although the fire was contained, the incident underscores the vulnerability of our economic assets to sabotage and neglect.

With the refinery's contribution to local PMS production, any disruption can significantly impact the economy, leading to increased fuel prices, inflation, and hardship for Nigerians. The cause of the fire remains unknown, sparking fears of deliberate sabotage to undermine Nigeria's progress.

This incident underscores the importance of effective regulation and service delivery in the private sector. Telecommunication companies, in particular, must improve their services to ensure uninterrupted network access and good customer care. The depreciating services of some telecommunication companies and *unfair 20*  *Naira charges for* *unsuccessful retrieval of* *National* *Identification Number* *( NIN)* have made it difficult for Nigerians to enjoy seamless customer service, communication, browsing, and other essential services.

To achieve economic renewal, government agencies and regulatory bodies must intensify their oversight functions, ensuring that private sector companies operate efficiently and effectively. The Nigerian government's efforts to create an enabling environment for businesses must be complemented by the private sector's commitment to service delivery and customer satisfaction.

Furthermore, the incident highlights the need for synergy among stakeholders in the petroleum industry to prevent future occurrences of sabotage. Aliko Dangote's investment in the refinery is a significant step towards Nigeria's economic growth, and it is essential that all hands are on deck to ensure the success of this initiative.

In conclusion, the fire incident at Dangote Refinery serves as a wake-up call for Nigeria to prioritize security, oversight, and service delivery in key sectors. By working together, we can build a more robust economy, secure a brighter future for Nigeria, and ensure that the efforts of the Renewed Hope administration are not undermined by sabotage and inefficiency.