The ongoing dispute between Aliko Dangote and Nigerian regulatory authorities regarding the Dangote Refinery in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, has intensified. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) recently declared that the refinery is still awaiting government licensing to commence operations.
To address the conflict, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, convened a high-level meeting on Monday with key figures in the oil and gas sector. Attendees included NMDPRA Chief Executive Farouk Ahmed, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) CEO Gbenga Komolafe, and Group CEO of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) Mele Kyari.
A statement from the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, highlighted that the meeting aimed to find a sustainable resolution to the refinery’s operational issues. All parties involved expressed their appreciation for Lokpobiri’s leadership and commitment to resolving the impasse.
“The meeting focused on finding a lasting solution to the challenges facing the Dangote Refinery, with all stakeholders committed to collaborative problem-solving,” the statement read.
Lokpobiri emphasized the importance of cooperation among stakeholders to ensure the success of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, vital for the country’s economic growth and energy security. The minister’s aide noted that the meeting marked a crucial step toward addressing the refinery’s issues and reflected the Minister’s dedication to creating a supportive environment for the sector.
Agbakoba Criticizes Potential NNPC Takeover of Dangote Refinery
Senior Advocate of Nigeria Olisa Agbakoba has warned against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) taking over the Dangote Refinery. Agbakoba’s statement follows Aliko Dangote’s suggestion that the NNPC should purchase the refinery to dispel claims of monopolistic practices.
Dangote’s remarks came amid controversies about his 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery. NMDPRA Chief Executive Farouk Ahmed had criticized Dangote and other local refineries for producing substandard fuels and highlighted concerns about energy security and market fairness due to potential monopolies.
In response, Dangote expressed willingness to sell the refinery, saying, “Let them (NNPCL) buy me out and run the refinery the best way they can. They have labeled me a monopolist. That’s an incorrect and unfair allegation, but it’s okay. If they buy me out, at least their so-called monopolist would be out of the way.”
However, Agbakoba challenged this notion, questioning why the Federal Government would take over a privately built refinery rather than improving its own facilities. He argued that addressing Nigeria’s broader infrastructural and public service challenges would be a more effective solution.
“The simple alternative for us all is this – Let Nigeria work. Let there be light, food, water, jobs, and essential services,” Agbakoba stated. He expressed support for Dangote and local refineries, advocating for enhancements in the nation’s refining capacity to end fuel importation. Agbakoba also called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the country’s energy sector and regulatory framework.
