The ongoing dispute between the Dangote Refinery in Lagos and the Federal Government remains unresolved, with significant figures offering differing perspectives on the refinery’s struggles to secure adequate crude supplies.
In an interview with Arise TV, Light Shedrack, an International Business Ideation Specialist, criticized Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest individual, for allegedly requesting that the government alter its regulations to favor his refinery. Shedrack warned that such actions could drive International Oil Companies (IOCs) away from Nigeria.
Initially supporting Dangote when the conflict began, Shedrack shifted his stance after conducting further research into the matter. He now claims that Dangote’s issues are primarily with the international oil companies, and that bending the rules for him could lead to the exit of these crucial players from Nigeria’s oil industry.
Shedrack also defended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), pointing out that the company had already provided 39 cargoes to the Dangote Refinery. He recalled how the Nigerian government had intervened in the past, providing a $1 billion loan to support Dangote’s refinery during its construction, a level of assistance rarely extended to private businesses in the country.
In contrast, Dangote Refinery has denied receiving crude cargoes from NNPC, despite the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s (NUPRC) statement confirming a crude oil allocation of 29 million barrels to the refinery. Anthony Chiejina, Dangote’s Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, stated that the refinery had not yet received these shipments.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also weighed in, accusing forces within the government of deliberately hindering the progress of the Dangote Refinery. He emphasized the importance of this refinery as a vital private sector investment for Nigeria’s energy and foreign exchange needs, urging Nigerians to ensure no internal or external forces prevent the country from benefiting from the project.
Meanwhile, Dr. Billy Giles-Harry, President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), shared positive news regarding the Port Harcourt Refinery, confirming that it has begun production processes. He also mentioned that the Warri refinery is nearly complete, with 90% of the work finished.
