De Renaissance Patriots Foundation advocates economic benefits of Dangote, Summit Oil, Others for Lagos State indigenes
By KEMI KASUMU
“An important question must be answered: What is the permanent economic place of the indigenous communities of Lagos in this historic development?” the group asked.
As the Yoruba saying goes, “One cannot stand beneath an orange tree and be forced to suck a sour fruit.” The proverb underscores the latest advocacy by the De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, which is calling for indigenous people of Lagos State to benefit more directly from the economic opportunities created by major industrial investments within the state.
The De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, a socio-cultural organisation committed to the welfare and advancement of indigenous Lagosians, argues that the presence of major industries in the state should translate into meaningful economic transformation for host communities through sustainable employment opportunities, improved infrastructure and access to basic amenities, rather than leaving them to grapple with unemployment, inadequate social services and other forms of hardship.
In an open letter dated Thursday, August 6, 2026, jointly signed by its President, Mr. Miftah Bolaji Are, and Secretary-General, Mr. Yomi Tokosi, and titled “Dangote Refinery, Oil Exploration in Badagry, Urban and Industrial Development, Lagos State Government and House of Assembly: The Burden of Corporate Social Responsibility to the Indigenous Communities of Lagos,” the Foundation acknowledged the immense economic benefits that the Dangote Refinery, Summit Oil’s exploration activities and other industrial developments have brought to Lagos State, while expressing appreciation for the opportunities these investments are capable of creatinf the indigenous lands.
“The establishment AND continued expansion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, oil exploration by Summit Oil exploration in Badagry and the seemingly uncontrolled urban and industrial development of Lagos State are significant developments in the economic history of Lagos State, Nigeria and the African continent,” it said.
However, the statement said, “While we embrace and welcome the development, De Renaissance Patriots wish to draw attention to the possibility of their disruptive socioeconomic and cultural consequences for the indigenes of the communities abutting the locations affected by the developments, and Lagos State generally, if not properly managed with a view to preventing, containing or minimizing them and if Lagos State is not to be encircled by creeping islands of slums into which these communities, stretching across the five divisions of the state, Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos,and Epe, are rapidly becoming.
“There are already simmering signs of unease and apprehension within these indigenous communities that must be proactively addressed, with the Lagos State Government, the Lagos State House of Assembly, Summit Oil and Dangote Refinery and organized private sector, leading the initiative, but shorn of bureaucratic redtape or partisan party politics.”
The foundation commended the investments of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Summit Oil and other private sector players, describing them as major contributors to Lagos State’s industrial growth, job creation, energy security and national economic development.
However, it said the benefits of such landmark projects should also extend permanently to the indigenous communities hosting them.
“An important question must be answered: What is the permanent economic place of the indigenous communities of Lagos in this historic development?” the group asked.
It proposed the establishment of a professionally managed Indigenous Lagos Host Communities Development and Investment Trust to fund education, healthcare, vocational training, environmental protection, youth empowerment, maritime development and other long-term community projects.
“We are not asking the Dangote Group to surrender its investment. We are asking for partnership, participation and shared prosperity,” the foundation said.
According to the group, while industrialisation inevitably transforms host communities and alters traditional livelihoods, indigenous residents should not be left watching wealth being created on their ancestral lands without acquiring a lasting economic stake.
The Foundation cited Chapter Three of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which established Host Communities Development Trusts for petroleum-producing areas, arguing that although the law primarily applies to upstream operations, its guiding principle should inspire a similar framework for communities hosting major downstream projects such as the Dangote Refinery.
It maintained that communities bearing the long-term social, environmental and economic impacts of industrial activities deserve more than temporary jobs or corporate social responsibility projects, insisting that a structured mechanism for permanent economic participation would promote shared prosperity, strengthen community relations and ensure sustainable development.
