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Dangote Refinery: PETROAN President, Billy Gillis-Harry, calls on Tinubu, stakeholders to be wary
The President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association, (PETROAN), Billy Gillis-Harry, has called on the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other stakeholders to be wary of Dangote Refinery and its fuel price regime in the coming months, with a view to avoiding cannibalization of small businesses in the oil and gas sector.
Gillis-Harry, who stated that though the current administration wants Dangote refinery to start producing on all four valves widely open and wide, expressed that there is a need to be very cautious about the development of the business.
He made the submission during an interview with, Daily Post, adding that he is proud of the development as a Nigerian, particularly with 650,000 barrels of crude oil “but I just hope that his pride will not keep me hungry without being in business.”
“Well, we want Dangote refinery to start producing on all four valves. All valves should be open and wide. However, there’s a need to be cautious about the development of the business. 650,000 barrels of crude oil and we’re very proud. As a Nigerian, I’m very proud.
“Because right now, we’re doing our little businesses from importation. We’re doing it. To my knowledge, nobody has brought substandard products except when there was a general product of PMS that came in that of course explanations were given. To my knowledge, none of my members have come to say, Oh, we bought PMS as a company and the rating is low. Of course with our 3P’s solution, we also take measures on the product.
“Believe me, I will not be able to say either yes or no but I think that such a broad-based allegation by Dangote Refinery should be backed with empirical evidence. It shouldn’t be just a one-off allegation because people are importing products. These products are going to be used like Shell and AGIP and different stakeholders in the industry that are using it to be able to further produce crude oil. So I mean, if there is a presentation like that, we should expect the houses also to come out and tell us the whole part of the story. And then of course Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, DAPPMAN responded by saying oh, sorry, our members are not bringing it,” he maintained.
Speaking further, PETROAN President noted that it would advise Dangote Refinery to also have stakeholders’ meetings consistently to be able to review the obtainable price in the industry, and avoid being monopolistic in its dealings.
“We want a situation where Dangote will consistently work with the rules, let him refine and then let the depots distribute and let the retailers take from the depots and give to the end users, he stated.
While saying there is a need for domestic revaluation of the Oil and Gas industry, he explained that the Dangote Refinery must be able to fix prices at an affordable rate for Nigerians immediately it commences fuel supply
He said: “The reason is, now why should Dangote buy crude oil in US dollars? We are not printing US dollars in Nigeria. So even though oil is dominated as an international commodity that is predicated on the US dollar, part of the emergency decisions that I should expect to happen is that we are going to produce 2 million barrels of crude oil strictly for our domestic consumption, and we’re going to price it at the Nigerian Naira.
“Of course. That’s why sometimes I bother to ask. How did it get so bad that Dangote Refinery had to import crude oil? Because they will not have told him about the Bonny light because they’re also producing oil there. But they are importing from other countries and storing up. So we need to register the entire system and be transparently honest because for crying out loud, being the poorest man or the richest man in the world, we are all equal.”
Similarly, he touched on the deadlines and missed deadlines for the take-off of the Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri refineries, expressing that the government is doing everything possible to make them up and running.
He concluded that PETROAN is working with those who would be given refinery licenses that did not have capacity and partnership, saying they have enough retail outlets to be able to obtain from them enough partnership and guarantee for them to further raise capital to be able to do the work.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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