“I Do Not Own a Blending Plant in Malta” – Kyari Responds to Dangote’s Allegations

Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, has refuted allegations made by Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest individual, claiming that NNPC officials operate an oil blending plant in Malta.

Dangote made these assertions on July 22, while addressing the House of Representatives, alleging that NNPC personnel, alongside oil traders and terminal operators, have established a blending plant on the Mediterranean island.

Oil blending plants, which lack refining capabilities, mix re-refined oil with additives to produce finished lubricants. In a social media post, Kyari dismissed these claims, asserting his unawareness of any NNPC employees involved in such operations in Malta.

“I am inundated by enquiries from family members, friends, and associates on the public declaration by the President of Dangote Group that some NNPC workers have established a blending plant in Malta, thereby impeding procurements from local production of petroleum products,” Kyari stated.

“To clarify, I do not own or operate any business directly or by proxy anywhere in the world, except for a local mini agricultural venture. Additionally, I am unaware of any NNPC employee owning or operating a blending plant in Malta or elsewhere.”

Kyari emphasized that a blending plant in Malta does not influence NNPC’s business operations or strategic decisions. He also assured that any NNPC employee found involved would face sanctions and urged that such individuals be reported to government security agencies due to the implications for national energy security.

This exchange between Dangote and Kyari is part of an ongoing dispute between the business mogul and oil industry regulators. The conflict intensified on July 18 when Farouk Ahmed, CEO of the NMDPRA, alleged that local refineries, including Dangote’s, produce inferior products compared to imports.

Dangote countered these allegations by testing diesel from his refinery on July 20 in front of federal lawmakers and called for a probe into the NMDPRA’s claims. Consequently, the lawmakers initiated investigations into these allegations on July 22, also probing whether international oil companies in Nigeria are undermining the Dangote refinery.

In efforts to resolve the dispute, Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), recently convened a meeting with Dangote, Ahmed, Kyari, and Gbenga Komolafe, CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).