By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

The Arewa Concern Citizens of Nigeria (ACCN) has condemned the recent increase in petroleum prices by the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company, calling for an immediate reversal and warning of mass protests if ignored.

This was contained in a statement issued to newsmen on Friday in Kaduna by Mukhtar Umar Adamu, the National Coordinator of the Arewa Concern Citizens of Nigeria (ACCN).

He added that the group, known for addressing challenges affecting Northern Nigeria, viewed the hike as harmful and warned of consequences if urgent action was not taken.

He lamented that the rising cost of petroleum products had worsened hardship, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ welfare and reconsider licences granted to operators unable to ease economic burdens.

He further stated that if the Dangote Refinery could not alleviate the suffering caused by high fuel prices, its licence should be revoked and reassigned to more capable operators.

He noted that the group now aligned with concerns raised by NUPENG, PENGASSAN and other industry bodies, accusing the refinery of operating as a monopoly and failing to fulfil its promises to Nigerians.

He stressed that ACCN members were prepared to stage protests across Abuja, from NNPCL to NMDPRA and the National Assembly, until their demands were met.

He added that fuel prices had increased about five times within a month without any reduction, despite claims that the refinery could meet and exceed Nigeria’s consumption needs.

He warned that the group had given the Federal Government a deadline from April 30, 2026, to revoke the refinery’s licence or face sustained street protests.

He emphasised that the group rejected any form of monopoly in the energy sector, insisting that Dangote Refinery had not delivered meaningful benefits to Nigerians.