FG Unaware Dangote Imports Crude from US, Says Minister

The Federal Government has stated that it was unaware that Dangote Refinery imports its crude oil from the United States. This was disclosed by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, during the Ministerial Sectoral Updates in Abuja on Thursday, marking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first year in office.

Lokpobiri highlighted that Nigeria has sufficient crude oil to supply all its refineries, including the modular ones. He emphasized the importance of increasing domestic production by encouraging servicing companies to resume drilling activities. “I’m not aware that Dangote Refinery has started importing crude oil from the US,” he said. “That’s the reason why we’re talking about an increase in production… The only way we can increase production is to continue drilling.”

The Sectoral Briefing saw attendance from key ministers including Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; Minister of FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike; Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim Bio; Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmud; and Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande.

Addressing rumors about the Tinubu administration continuing to pay fuel subsidies, Lokpobiri affirmed the government’s stance. “On the issue of subsidy, all of us know that from the first day the President took over office he said subsidy is gone. And I can confirm to you today that the subsidy is gone. But the point is, all over the world, governments find a way to subsidize. It may not be fuel but may be food… there’s no responsible government that will not find a way to ameliorate the suffering of its citizens. But please, I want it to be official that there’s no subsidy for fuel as of today.”