The House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote, and oil marketers to refrain from making public accusations against each other, using the media.
This directive is contained in a press statement issued by the Reps Joint Petroleum Committee on Monday while reacting to the alleged non-availability of crude oils for refineries operating in the country.
The Punch Headlines gathered how NMDPRA Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed highlighted concerns over the consistency and standardization of the output of Aliko Dangote’s refinery.
NMDPRA boss said the quality of Dangote Refinery products was inferior compared to imported ones.
He also claimed that Dangote Refinery had yet to be licensed by the appropriate agency and yet to be completed for smooth operation.
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He said, “I think we have about 45% completion. We cannot rely heavily on one refinery to feed the nation because Dangote is requesting that we suspend or stop imports, especially of AGO and DPK, and direct all marketers to his refinery.
“That is not good for the nation in terms of energy security, and it is not good for the market because of the monopoly.”
In responding to Ahmed’s comments, Aliko Dangote said he stopped his earlier plans of investing in the Nigerian steel sector to avoid monopoly allegations as raised by the NMDPRA boss.
He said he is willing to sell off his refinery to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for citizens to know his investments are aimed at growing the country.
