BREAKING: NNPC Denies Sabotage Allegations Against Dangote Refinery

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has dismissed allegations of economic sabotage concerning the Dangote Refinery. Speaking before the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee investigating these claims on Wednesday, NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari, affirmed that the company has adhered to all legal obligations and should not be implicated in any accusations of sabotage.

Kyari underscored that the refining business requires investors to ensure both a stable supply of crude and a reliable market for the refined products. He reiterated that NNPC has done nothing to undermine any domestic refinery, including Dangote’s.

“The refining business is straightforward. You must secure a feedstock source and find a market,” Kyari stated in a release by NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye. He added that Nigerian laws are explicit about domestic crude supply obligations and provisions for local refineries, but these transactions must be based on mutual consent between buyers and sellers.

Regarding the issue of sub-standard product imports, Kyari clarified that NNPC is not responsible for such practices, as regulatory agencies ensure that only quality products enter the country.

Kyari also supported broadcasting the committee’s sessions live on national television to ensure transparency. He noted that while Nigeria has the infrastructure to produce two million barrels of crude daily, challenges such as oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and a lack of investment in upstream activities are hindering the sector’s growth.

Kyari highlighted NNPC’s transformation from a loss-making entity to a profitable enterprise, emphasizing the company’s loyalty and commitment to Nigeria’s progress in compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), and other relevant laws.

“We are faithful, loyal, and committed to the progress and development of this country. It is our duty to protect the overall interest of this great nation. We are not in breach of any rules,” Kyari concluded.

These comments come in the wake of remarks by Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, who recently revealed in a CNN interview that international oil companies in Nigeria prefer exporting crude for foreign exchange rather than supplying it to his refinery. Additionally, Devakumar Edwin, Dangote Industries Limited’s Vice President of Oil and Gas, accused international oil companies of deliberately undermining the Dangote Refinery project.