Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, has weighed in on the rift between Africa’s wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Dangote has been facing challenges with the government regarding his refinery project in Lagos. He previously reported that a cabal was obstructing his attempts to import crude and that difficulties in securing products were hindering operations.
The situation worsened when the NMDPRA announced that the government had yet to license the Dangote refinery to commence operations. Farouk Ahmed, the chief executive officer of NMDPRA, made this disclosure while speaking with journalists at the State House on Thursday.
According to Ahmed, claims that ongoing efforts by International Oil Companies to undermine Dangote’s refinery operations were due to a lack of crude oil supply are unfounded, emphasizing that the refinery is still in the pre-commissioning stage and has not been licensed yet.
Ahmed also stated that the diesel produced by Dangote’s refinery does not meet international standards, a claim that the businessman contested during an interactive session over the weekend.
In that same session, Dangote countered Ahmed’s assertion, insisting that the diesel from his refinery meets very high standards.
But at an interactive session with House of Representatives members at the weekend, Dangote countered the claim, saying the diesel from his refinery is of a very high standard.
On Monday, Sen. Lokpobiri, convened a high-level meeting with key stakeholders to address and resolve the issues around the Dangote Refinery.
A statement by the Minister’s Special Adviser Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, said the meeting involves: Mr. Aliko Dangote, Chairman and CEO of Dangote Group; Mr. Farouk Ahmed, Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA); Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Mr. Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC).
“The stakeholders expressed their gratitude to the minister for his exemplary leadership and timely intervention in facilitating this crucial dialogue. 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 added that the minister emphasized the importance of cooperation and synergy among all stakeholders to ensure the success and optimal performance of the Oil and Gas sector, which is pivotal for Nigeria’s economic growth and energy security.
It noted that the meeting marked a significant step towards resolving the challenges and underscores the minister’s dedication to fostering a conducive environment for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
