The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has called on Nigerians to pray for divine intervention amidst efforts by powerful cabals determined to hinder the success of private refineries in Nigeria.
According to Adeboye, influential figures in the oil and gas sector are working to sabotage private refinery initiatives, as these refineries threaten the profitability of fuel importation. He made this call for nationwide prayers during the church’s annual Abuja Special Holy Ghost Service, themed ‘Total Restoration’.
While Adeboye did not explicitly mention the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, his statements reflected the current challenges faced by private refinery projects, which have been obstructed by oil marketers intent on preserving the lucrative importation business.
Adeboye expressed frustration over the billions of naira invested into repairing the nation’s four government-owned refineries, which have yet to function optimally. “Before our president came in, everyone knew that our financial issues stemmed from the immense funds spent on petrol importation. How can we import petrol when we have crude oil in abundance here?” he said.
He went on to explain, “When the President canceled the costly petrol importation, we rejoiced, but some were angry—those profiting from the imports. Suddenly, the naira began to plummet. I urged my people to pray, and thank God, others joined. Without divine intervention, the naira would have crashed even further.”
Adeboye emphasized that his concerns are non-political, highlighting his calling as a minister, not a politician. He continued, “God raised someone willing to build a private refinery, ensuring at least one refinery would function if the government’s did not. Yet, this man was forced to import crude from America because certain people refused to supply him locally. When he was finally allowed access, they still tried to control the prices at which he could sell.”
He pointed out the recent legal threats facing the refinery, with some demanding that the owner comply with external pricing decisions to maintain the importation chain. “We have four government refineries that are non-functional despite heavy investments, but now that we have one working private refinery, they are blocking his path to selling the fuel. Are we cursed?” he questioned.
Adeboye urged Nigerians to pray against these obstacles, warning that the insistence on maintaining fuel importation hurts the economy and raises the cost of petroleum products, impacting the lives of all Nigerians.
