Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the esteemed leader of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, has delivered a powerful criticism of what he claims is a hidden plan to derail Nigeria’s pursuit of economic independence, particularly in the area of fuel production. Speaking at the November 2024 Abuja Special Holy Ghost Service, Adeboye outlined a troubling alliance between local oil interests and international oil companies, accusing them of conspiring to undermine Nigeria’s efforts to develop a self-sustaining fuel industry.
According to Adeboye, these groups, driven by greed, are actively sabotaging efforts to enhance local refinery capacity and keep the country dependent on expensive fuel imports. “This is a plan to keep Nigeria dependent on fuel imports, all in the name of greed,” the pastor remarked. He stressed that this conspiracy is a direct threat to the country’s economic future, particularly when the potential for local fuel production, such as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, is within reach.
In his speech, Adeboye made it clear that these forces are working to weaken local refineries like Dangote’s, which he sees as a key step towards Nigeria’s fuel independence. He argued that despite Nigeria’s vast oil reserves, the country continues to rely heavily on imported refined fuel, which costs the economy billions of dollars every year. Adeboye pointed out that some powerful individuals and organizations are using their influence to prevent this transformation, fearing the loss of control over Nigeria’s oil market.
Adeboye also highlighted the significance of Aliko Dangote’s refinery project, which he described as a divine inspiration. He noted that the venture came after numerous failed attempts by the Nigerian government to revive its refineries, which have been plagued by mismanagement and corruption for decades. “We have four refineries, we poured all kinds of money into them, none of them is working,” Adeboye said, referring to the failed state-run refineries that have become symbols of inefficiency and squandered resources.
The pastor continued by acknowledging Dangote’s efforts, emphasizing that the refinery project was not just a business endeavor but a critical opportunity for Nigeria to achieve fuel self-sufficiency. “God raised someone to build a refinery that works,” Adeboye said, stressing that Dangote, despite not being a Christian or a relative, had stepped up to fill the gap left by the government’s failure. The refinery, Adeboye added, represents a potential turning point for Nigeria’s economic independence.
Despite the promise that Dangote’s refinery holds, Adeboye warned that some powerful figures in both Nigeria and abroad would stop at nothing to prevent its success. “Now he is refining petrol, and some people want to stop him from selling it, so they can keep importing,” the pastor stated, referring to the ongoing efforts to undermine the refinery’s operations. He suggested that vested interests in the oil industry fear the loss of their profits from imported fuel, which could be replaced by locally refined products from Dangote’s plant.
The pastor’s impassioned speech resonated with many Nigerians, sparking a wave of reactions across the country. Adeboye’s remarks underscored the systemic challenges that continue to impede Nigeria’s development, even as the country possesses vast natural resources. “Are we under a curse?” Adeboye rhetorically asked, reflecting on Nigeria’s long-standing struggle with corruption, mismanagement, and the inability to capitalize on its oil wealth. His comments seemed to reflect a broader frustration with Nigeria’s failure to use its resources for the benefit of its people.
The speech also brought attention to the significant role that prayer and divine intervention play in Adeboye’s outlook on the situation. With great passion, he called on all Nigerians to join in prayer for God’s support in overcoming the powerful forces working against the country’s economic progress. “We need to pray for the success of this refinery, for the good of Nigeria and its people,” he urged, calling on his congregation and the wider public to unite in support of the project.
Peace OdekunleNovember 14, 20243 Mins read
