Aliko Dangote, the owner of Dangote Refinery, has dismissed reports by the CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) that the petroleum products from his refinery are of lower quality compared to imported ones.
Africa’s richest man clarified this during a visit by the House of Representatives leadership, stating that independent assessments would produce different results from those of the NMDPRA. He also highlighted that the petroleum products’ specs examined by the regulator were imported.
According to him: “The imported one they are encouraging is the spec in test, but in certain cases, when you check (independently), different results will show. Because those people who have the lab have been told what to write.”
The speaker, Abbass, assured that lawmakers are committed to addressing all issues affecting the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
“We are working diligently to create a more business-friendly environment through legislative reforms that streamline processes, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance transparency. Our goal is to make Nigeria an attractive destination for both local and international investors,” he said.
Farouk Ahmed, the CEO of NMDPRA, previously stated that the petroleum products from Dangote Refinery are of lower quality compared to imported products.
He added that the refinery is not authorised to operate and expressed concerns about granting the company’s petroleum products a monopoly in the sector.
This situation has caused widespread confusion in the oil and gas industry.
Recently, Devakumar Edwin, the Vice President of Dangote Industries Limited, accused international oil companies in Nigeria of frustrating the Refinery by selling crude oil at inflated prices.
This statement from Edwin comes after Dangote announced the commencement of fuel supply by August.