WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE COALITION OF NORTHERN YOUTH FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE AND OTHER CSOS ON THE CONTROVERSY BETWEEN NNPC LIMITED AND ALIKO DANGOTE
Members of the Fourth Estate, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with a heavy heart that we address members of the press today, following deep reflection and careful consideration of the ongoing controversy between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Aliko Dangote.
The high expectations surrounding the Dangote Refinery have been undermined by the regulatory body. We are compelled to respond to the falsehoods propagated by Dr. Farouk Ahmed, the CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
His misleading statements have led Nigerians to unwittingly accept half-truths, cover-ups, outright lies, and distorted facts about the Dangote Refinery.
We find it necessary to counter his ignorant, pedestrian, and rambling comments that the refinery is still in the pre-commissioning stage and has not been licensed to begin full operations. While Nigerians prematurely celebrated the completion of the Dangote Refinery, anticipating a more competitive local petroleum market,
Aliko Dangote’s frustrations have unfortunately deepened distrust and scepticism towards the system.
This situation has become a national embarrassment, with dishonest elements within the NNPC sabotaging the efforts of Africa’s most enterprising businessman and sending the wrong signals to global investors.
When Aliko Dangote raised concerns about the unholy activities of certain agents and international oil companies hindering his refinery from obtaining crude oil, he highlighted Section 109 of the Petroleum Industry Act. This section introduced the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation to ensure that local refineries receive crude allocations without being strangled. We must ask these regulatory sharks: How can a man have a refinery in an oil-producing country yet be forced to import crude oil from another nation?
For years, we have consistently called for new local refineries and the renovation of existing ones. Yet, here we are today, facing obfuscation, equivocation, and the esoteric manoeuvres of those in power, which remain the bane of our economy. Does it mean that if the Port-Harcourt Refinery had been fixed after Turn Around Maintenance, it would suffer Dangote’s fate? Does Dangote only have a ghost of a chance of succeeding in the face of Nigeria’s prolonged maladies, corruption, favouritism, foul play, double standards, and deliberate sabotage?
The Dangote Refinery is the cornerstone of reducing Nigeria’s dependency on imported refined products. It is crucial for national development and economic independence. Yet, due to selfish interests and perfidious desires, some agents of darkness accuse Dangote of monopolistic tendencies while tarnishing Nigeria’s global image.
We all witnessed at the official commissioning of the refinery where eminent leaders in government and the energy industry outlined a roadmap for the robust opportunities the Dangote refinery represents in driving Nigeria’s economic growth.
It is significant and commendable that Aliko Dangote built the largest single-train refinery in the world and the second-largest fertilizer plant. This achievement ensures Nigeria, Africa, and the global business environment can enjoy its utility value. What could be the rationale behind the non-supply of crude oil to the refinery? Industry players and government operators blame crude oil theft. Is this a mockery of someone’s good intentions? This means the nation is losing potential revenue and savings, which has adversely affected the Dangote Refinery.
A functional Dangote Refinery will greatly benefit Nigeria by reducing reliance on imported refined petroleum products, thus saving substantial foreign exchange and improving the country’s trade balance. The refinery will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, contributing to lower unemployment rates. It will also generate significant tax revenues and royalties for the government, boosting public finances. Additionally, increased local refining capacity will lead to more stable and potentially lower fuel prices, providing economic relief to Nigerians.
Moreover, the availability of refined products will stimulate industrial growth in sectors such as petrochemicals, plastics, and fertilizers, fostering overall economic development. The project will spur infrastructure development, including ports, pipelines, and roads, benefiting the broader economy. By bringing cutting-edge technology and expertise to Nigeria, the refinery will enhance local capacity and skills in the oil and gas sector, promoting technological advancement and sustainable economic
OUR POSITION:
After a careful review of the actions of a man we all regard as an oracle of enterprise, who is unlocking Africa’s economic potential by investing $20 billion, we recognize his exemplary commitment to galvanizing the African economy through accelerated industrial renaissance. Therefore, we urge the President to suspend the NMDPRA CEO pending a probe into the allegations against the regulatory body.
To salvage the image, reputation, and integrity of the country, all identified NNPC officials involved in this corruption must be punished. Any NNPC official who owns or operates a blending plant in Malta or elsewhere should be brought to book. The government and private security outfits contracted to secure the waterways must intensify their activities to end crude oil theft.
Nigerians are caught between confusion and anger at NNPC officials for allowing Dangote Refinery to suffer under-production. We support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s fight against corruption, which has stunted the nation’s economic development. Relevant anti-graft agencies, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the DSS, and the NIA must urgently act and bring all those involved in these dirty deals to book.
Finally, let us overcome our myopia and other maladies that afflict us, and build a better Nigeria for ourselves and future generations. We urge the President to assure Aliko Dangote that his refinery will not fail and to encourage and protect both local and global investors.
Thank you.
Signed:
Jabir Aminu Maiturare
Coalition of Northern Youth for Good Governance
Abdulmalik Zakari
Zero Tolerance for Corruption Association (ZTCA)
Ahmed Ayo Ibrahim
Concerned Youths of Nigeria (CYN)
Isaac Abioye
Arewa Youth for Liberty (AYFL)
Mukhtar Umar Adamu
Northern Youth Advocacy for Good Governance (NYAGG)
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