National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Taiwo Niyi
The Federal Government has initiated efforts to bridge the gap between Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
This intervention, led by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, involved a high-level meeting with key stakeholders to address challenges surrounding the Dangote Refinery.
According to a statement by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, the meeting included Aliko Dangote, Farouk Ahmed, CEO of NMDPRA, Gbenga Komolafe, CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and Mele Kyari, Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC).
Stakeholders expressed their appreciation to the minister for his proactive leadership in facilitating this crucial dialogue.
Discussions at the meeting focused on developing sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the Dangote Refinery, with all parties committed to cooperative and innovative resolutions.
The statement highlighted the minister’s call for enhanced cooperation and synergy among stakeholders to ensure the success and efficiency of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, which is vital for the nation’s economic development and energy security.
The meeting represents a significant step towards resolving the issues and underscores the minister’s commitment to creating a favourable environment for the sector.
This move comes amid ongoing disputes regarding the Dangote refinery project in Lagos, with Dangote previously alleging that a cabal was obstructing his efforts to import crude and secure necessary products, thereby hindering operations.
The situation escalated when Farouk Ahmed, CEO of NMDPRA, recently stated that the government had not yet granted a license for the Dangote refinery to commence operations.
Ahmed refuted claims that International Oil Companies were blocking crude supply to the refinery, stating that it remains in the pre-commissioning phase and is not yet licensed.
Furthermore, Ahmed criticised lq the diesel produced by Dangote as below international standards, a claim Dangote vehemently denied during a recent session with House of Representatives members, asserting that his refinery’s diesel meets high standards.
