NMDPRA Chief Rejects Dangote’s Request to Halt Fuel Imports, Exclusive Refinery Patronage

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has firmly rejected a request by billionaire Aliko Dangote to halt fuel imports and direct all oil marketers to exclusively use his refinery. Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive of NMDPRA, disclosed in a video released by the State House media on Thursday that Dangote’s proposal aims to make his refinery the sole supplier of fuel in Nigeria.

Ahmed argued against the request, citing concerns over creating a monopoly and the quality of the fuel produced by Dangote’s Lagos-based refinery. He stated, “Dangote is requesting that we suspend or stop importation, especially of AGO and DPK, and direct all marketers to his refinery. That is not good for the nation in terms of energy security and it is not good for the market because of the monopoly.”

Further criticism was directed at the Dangote refinery’s product quality. Ahmed noted that the refinery, which is still in the pre-commissioning stage with approximately 45% completion, has not yet received a license. He criticized the refinery’s fuel, which has a higher parts per million (PPM) level compared to imported fuels, deeming it inferior.

In summary, Ahmed emphasized that relying solely on one refinery could undermine national energy security and market competitiveness.