NMDPRA Chief, Farouk under fire over comment on Dangote Refinery

Nigeria’s House of Representatives has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), pending the conclusion of an investigation into his comments regarding Dangote refined petroleum products.

This call follows the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Representative Esosa Iyawe, addressing the impasse between Dangote Refinery and the NMDPRA.

Iyawe emphasized the importance of fuel quality, noting that ultra-low sulfur diesel is recommended for various industries due to its lower environmental impact and reduced damage to engine hardware.

High sulfur content in fuels can harm engines and contribute to air pollution.

The Edo lawmaker also highlighted the severe health and environmental consequences of sulfur dioxide, which can damage the human respiratory system, compromise lung function, and even cause cancer.

“The unguarded statements by the Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, which have since been disproved, sparked outrage from Nigerians.

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Many see his undermining of local refineries and insistence on continued fuel importation as an act of economic sabotage, given that imported products often contain high levels of dangerous compounds,” Iyawe stated.

This development comes after the House Committee on Midstream and Downstream began investigating the dispute between Ahmed and Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group.

Over the past four days, Ahmed’s claims that Dangote Refinery’s petroleum products were inferior have led to a series of allegations and counter-allegations from both parties.

In an effort to resolve the crisis, Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has initiated steps to mediate between the NMDPRA and Dangote Refinery.