In an effort to address the ongoing dispute between the federal government’s regulators and the Dangote Refinery, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, convened a high-level meeting with key stakeholders on Monday.
News About Nigeria reports that the meeting aimed to resolve the crisis of confidence that has been brewing between the two parties regarding crude oil supply.
The Dangote Group, owned by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has been at the center of the controversy, with Dangote alleging that a cabal is attempting to sabotage the refinery’s operations.
The dispute gained significant attention in the media, with the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Farouk Ahmed, claiming that the Dangote refinery lacks a license and produces products with excess sulphur.
Ahmed also alleged that Dangote is pushing for petrol imports to be halted, forcing marketers to rely solely on his refinery. Dangote has vehemently denied these claims.
The meeting, facilitated by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, brought together Dangote, Ahmed, Mr. Gbenga Komolafe (CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission), and Mr. Mele Kyari (Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited).
Although details of the meeting’s outcome were not disclosed, the gathering marks a significant step towards resolving the crisis and promoting a harmonious working relationship between the regulators and the Dangote Refinery.
The federal government’s intervention in this matter underscores the importance of finding a swift resolution to the dispute, ensuring the smooth operation of the refinery, and maintaining the stability of the petroleum sector.
By addressing the concerns of all parties involved, the government aims to create a conducive environment for the refinery’s success, ultimately benefiting the nation’s economy.
