FG works to reunite Dangote with regulators
The Federal Government has intervened in the dispute between Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest man, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Dangote has faced challenges with the government regarding his refinery project in Lagos.
He previously mentioned obstacles from a cabal hindering crude imports and accessing products, which slowed operations.
The situation worsened when the NMDPRA stated that the government had not licensed the Dangote refinery to commence operations.
Farouk Ahmed, CEO of NMDPRA, clarified during a press briefing at the State House on Thursday that the claims of efforts to hinder Dangote refinery’s operations due to crude oil supply issues by International Oil Companies were unfounded.
He emphasized that the refinery is still in the pre-commissioning stage and has not yet been licensed.
Ahmed also asserted that the diesel produced by Dangote’s refinery did not meet international standards, a statement which Dangote disputed during a session with House of Representatives members over the weekend. Dangote insisted that the diesel from his refinery meets very high standards.
On Monday, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), convened a high-level meeting with key stakeholders to address issues concerning the Dangote Refinery.
According to a statement by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, the meeting included Aliko Dangote, Chairman and CEO of Dangote Group; Farouk Ahmed, CEO of NMDPRA; Gbenga Komolafe, CEO of NUPRC; and Mele Kyari, Group CEO of NNPC.
“The stakeholders commended the minister for his leadership and intervention in facilitating this critical dialogue. The meeting focused on resolving the challenges affecting the Dangote Refinery, with a commitment from all parties to collaborative problem-solving,” the statement said.
The minister stressed the importance of cooperation among stakeholders to enhance the performance of Nigeria’s Oil and Gas sector, crucial for economic growth and energy security.
The meeting represented a significant stride in addressing the challenges, highlighting the minister’s commitment to creating a favorable environment for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at Neptune Prime.
