• Akpabio Decries Assault On Nigeria’s Oil Sector, Inaugurates Committee To Probe Sabotage
'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Federal Government has waded into the open spat between the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority (NMDPRA) and the newly established Dangote Refinery.
Consequently, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has convened a crucial meeting with key stakeholders, including businessman Aliko Dangote and NMDPRA leadership, to address ongoing disputes affecting the take-off of Dangote Refinery.
The meeting aimed to foster collaboration and resolve issues hindering the refinery’s operations, which many hoped would alleviate Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
Present at the meeting were president of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; chief executive of NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed; chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, and group chief executive officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mele Kyari, a statement signed by the minister’s special adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, stated.
The stakeholders expressed their gratitude to the minister for his exemplary leadership and timely intervention in facilitating the crucial dialogue. The meeting focused on finding a sustainable and lasting solution to the current impasse affecting the Dangote Refinery, with all parties demonstrating a commitment to collaborative and proactive problem-solving.
The minister emphasised the importance of cooperation and synergy among all stakeholders to ensure the success and optimal performance of the Oil and Gas sector, which is pivotal for Nigeria’s economic growth and energy security.
This meeting marked a significant step towards resolving the challenges and underscored the minister’s dedication to fostering a conducive environment for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The dispute between Dangote Refinery and the NMDPRA centred around allegations of substandard fuel production by Dangote Refinery as alleged by the NMDPRA boss.
NMDPRA CEO Farouk Ahmed claimed that Dangote’s diesel has a higher sulphur content (650-1,200 ppm) compared to imported diesel, making it inferior. However, Dangote refuted the claims, stating that their lab analysis showed the diesel has only 87.6 ppm sulphur.
Dangote also said the NMDPRA approved their refinery lab in March 2024. The NMDPRA has embedded 15 engineers in the refinery to monitor operations.
The House of Representatives has called on both parties to resolve their differences amicably to avoid discouraging investors. The NMDPRA was awaiting a fresh report from Dangote Refinery to confirm the sulphur levels, which is expected on Monday.
Akpabio Decries Assault On Nigeria’s Oil Sector, Inaugurates Committee To Probe Sabotage
Meanwhile, on Monday, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, inaugurated the Senate Ad-hoc Committee to investigate alleged economic sabotage in the petroleum sector.
Warning that the attack on the country’s petroleum industry was not only a financial sabotage, but an affront to the national security and sovereignty of Nigeria, Akpabio said, “This industry, without a doubt, is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, and any threat to its integrity is a direct threat to the economic survival of our beloved nation.
“The petroleum sector has been the lifeblood of our economy, providing the revenue that funds our infrastructure, education, healthcare, and numerous other vital sectors.
“However, the shadow of economic sabotage looms large, threatening to destabilise this critical industry and, by extension, our nation’s financial stability.
“Over the past few years, we have witnessed a concerning trend of alleged malpractices and economic sabotage within the petroleum sector.
“These allegations range from illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, oil theft, and other nefarious activities that have collectively bled our economy dry. The impact of these actions has been devastating, contributing significantly to our current economic downturn.
“Revenue losses from these illegal activities have deprived our nation of the funds needed for development and growth. They have undermined investor confidence, distorted market operations, and exacerbated our economic challenges.
“It is not just a financial issue; it is a matter of national security and sovereignty. If left unchecked, these acts of sabotage could cripple our economy and hinder our progress for generations to come.
“Therefore, it is imperative that we act decisively and with a sense of urgency. We must identify and hold accountable those responsible for these criminal acts.
“This is not merely an investigation; it is a rescue mission for our nation’s future. The integrity and prosperity of Nigeria depend on our ability to safeguard our petroleum industry.
“To this end, I charge the members of this Ad Hoc Committee to approach this task with the utmost diligence, transparency, and commitment.
“To conduct a thorough investigation, leaving no stone unturned. Collaborate with relevant agencies, industry experts, and stakeholders to uncover the root causes of these economic sabotage activities. Identify the perpetrators, their methods, and their networks.
“Furthermore, I urge you to propose robust and sustainable solutions to prevent future occurrences. Strengthen our regulatory frameworks, enhance security measures, and ensure that our legal and judicial systems are equipped to deal with offenders swiftly and effectively. It is also crucial to foster an environment of transparency and accountability within the industry to deter potential saboteurs.
“In conclusion, the task before you is monumental but not insurmountable. The future of our nation’s economy rests on your shoulders. We have faith in your abilities and trust that you will rise to the occasion. As the Senate President, I assure you of my full support and the support of the entire Senate in this critical endeavour.
“Go forth and fulfil this mandate with integrity and dedication. Let us work together to stop this ugly trend and restore the glory and stability of Nigeria’s petroleum industry. Our nation’s prosperity and the well-being of our citizens depend on it.”