The Federal Government has refuted claims that Dangote Refinery imports crude oil from the United States of America (US), asserting that Nigeria possesses abundant crude resources to supply all refineries, including modular ones, within the country.
According to Nigerian Tribune, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, addressed the issue during the Ministerial Sectoral Updates in Abuja on Thursday, marking President Bola Tinubu’s one year in office.
Lokpobiri emphasized that Nigeria’s ample crude oil reserves eliminate the need for importing crude, and he expressed surprise at the notion of Dangote Refinery resorting to such imports.
“I’m not aware that Dangote Refinery has started importing crude oil from the US. That’s the reason why we’re talking about an increase in production. That’s why we’re talking to servicing companies to come back and start drilling. The only way we can increase production is to continue drilling…” he stated.
Addressing rumors surrounding fuel subsidy under the Tinubu administration, Lokpobiri clarified that subsidy on fuel had been abolished since the beginning of President Tinubu’s tenure.
“On the issue of subsidy, all of us know that from the first day the President took over office, he said subsidy is gone. And I can confirm to you today that the subsidy is gone. But the point is, all over the world, governments find a way to subsidise.
“It may not be fuel but may be food … there’s no responsible government that will not find a way to ameliorate the suffering of its citizens. But pls I want it to be official that there’s no subsidy for fuel as of today,” Lokpobiri affirmed.
