The Federal Government has intervened in the ongoing dispute between Africa’s wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) regarding his refinery project in Lagos.
Recall that Dangote expressed frustrations over obstacles to importing crude and difficulties in obtaining necessary products, which have hindered the refinery’s operations.
The situation escalated when NMDPRA stated that the government had not yet licensed the Dangote refinery to commence operations.
Farouk Ahmed, CEO of NMDPRA, clarified this during a press briefing at the State House on Thursday.
He denied claims that efforts were being made to block Dangote’s refinery operations due to a lack of crude oil supply by international oil companies, stating, “the refinery was still at the pre-commissioning stage and has not been licensed yet.”
Ahmed also alleged that the diesel product from Dangote’s refinery did not meet international standards.
Dangote refuted this claim during an interactive session with House of Representatives members, asserting, “the diesel from his refinery is of a very high standard.”
To address these issues, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, convened a high-level meeting on Monday.
The meeting included key stakeholders such as Aliko Dangote, Farouk Ahmed, Gbenga Komolafe (CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission), and Mele Kyari (Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited).
A statement from the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, noted that the stakeholders appreciated the minister’s leadership and timely intervention.
“The meeting focused on finding a sustainable and lasting solution to the current impasse affecting the Dangote Refinery, with all parties demonstrating a commitment to collaborative and proactive problem-solving.”
The statement also emphasized the importance of cooperation and synergy among all stakeholders to ensure the success and optimal performance of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, which is vital for the country’s economic growth and energy security.
