The House of Representatives has called on President Ahmed Tinubu to suspend the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, following his controversial comments about the diesel produced at the Dangote Refinery.
The House made this call after adopting a motion of urgent public importance presented by Rep. Esosa Iyawe during a plenary session on Tuesday.
Rep. Iyawe highlighted that Farouk Ahmed recently claimed that the diesel produced by the Dangote Refinery had high sulphur content, making it inferior to imported diesel. Ahmed stated that the sulphur content in Dangote’s diesel ranged between 650 to 1,200 parts per million (ppm). In response, Dangote called for a test of their products, which was supervised by members of the House of Representatives. The test revealed that Dangote’s diesel had a sulphur content of 87.6 ppm, while imported diesel samples showed levels exceeding 1800 ppm and 2000 ppm.
“The unguarded statements by the Chief Executive Officer of the NMDPRA, which have since been disproved, sparked outrage from Nigerians. His actions are seen as undermining local refineries and promoting the continued importation of fuel, which is an act of economic sabotage,” Iyawe said.
Iyawe emphasized the risks associated with high sulphur content in fuels, which can damage engines and contribute to air pollution. He noted that governments worldwide regulate sulphur levels in fuels to minimize emissions.
“Sulphur dioxide has dire environmental and health consequences, as it can damage the human respiratory system, compromise lung function, and even cause cancer,” Iyawe added.
The House Joint Committee on Petroleum Resources has already launched an investigation into the matter and plans to invite Dangote Refinery and other stakeholders in the petroleum industry to discuss the issue further.
Support for Dangote
Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), criticized the disparagement of Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his refinery. Adesina warned that such criticism could discourage foreign investors from coming to Nigeria.
Adesina stated, “No smart investor would make a $19.5 billion investment and want it to be undermined by importers. Disparaging Dangote is uncalled for and self-defeating. It is very bad for Nigeria.”
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar also commented on the controversy, stating that no investor would trust a nation that undermines its key assets.
“The Dangote refinery is crucial for Nigeria’s energy and economic stability. If we neglect this, we risk deterring vital foreign direct investment,” Atiku said.
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, called for support for the Dangote refinery.
“The recent conflicts between Dangote Industries and some government agencies are deeply troubling. Given Alhaji Dangote’s significant contributions to Nigeria, these disputes must be resolved swiftly,” Obi said.
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NMDPRA CEO Responds
Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, responded to allegations that officials of the NNPCL operate an oil facility in Malta. Kyari denied owning or operating any petroleum blending plant in Malta or anywhere else in the world.
Kyari stated, “A blending plant in Malta or any part of the world has no influence over NNPC’s business operations and strategic actions. For further assurance, our compliance sanction grid shall apply to any NNPC employee who is established to be involved in such activities.”