HURIWA to Govt: Protect Nigerians, investigate substandard fuel imports immediately

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has intensified calls for an urgent and transparent investigation into recent allegations made by Dangote Refinery, which accuses an international trading firm of attempting to undermine Nigeria’s refining sector by importing and blending substandard petrol. These allegations have stirred considerable debate within the oil and gas industry, particularly after Pinnacle Oil & Gas Limited, responded by rebutting the accusations.

HURIWA stressed that the implications of these allegations extend far beyond market competition, touching on public health, environmental safety, and Nigeria’s economic stability. The association voiced concern over the apparent lack of a transparent investigation by regulatory authorities into the quality of fuel entering Nigeria. To safeguard public health, HURIWA urged that security agencies and relevant bodies employ advanced resources and technologies to thoroughly assess the quality of petroleum products distributed by Pinnacle Oil and other importers.

Despite the gravity of the claims, HURIWA criticized the continued silence from government agencies, noting that a transparent, public investigation is crucial. “Dangote Refinery, through its Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, accused an international trading company of establishing a depot near Dangote’s refinery with the intent to blend and distribute substandard petrol.

“Chiejina argued that this alleged tactic aims to undercut Dangote’s high-quality products, endangering both Nigerian consumers and their vehicles. He further criticized the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for insufficient regulatory action to screen imported fuel, claiming this neglect could allow harmful products to reach consumers.

“Significantly, this isn’t the first time Dangote Refinery has raised similar concerns. In an earlier instance, Dangote’s Vice President of Oil and Gas, Devakumar Edwin, accused International Oil Companies (IOCs) of orchestrating efforts to frustrate the operations of Dangote Refinery. Edwin criticized the NMDPRA for what he described as indiscriminate licensing of marketers to import low-quality, or “dirty,” refined products into Nigeria

“Following these accusations, NMDPRA officials, led by Executive Director Ogbugo Ukoha, disputed the claims, stating emphatically that “there is no dirty fuel being imported into Nigeria.” Ukoha insisted that the authority takes its mandate seriously, ensuring compliance with international fuel standards such as the ECOWAS-backed Afri-5 fuel roadmap, which mandates sulfur content limits of 50 parts per million (ppm) for imported products.

“The regulatory body emphasized that imported fuel products complied with set standards, while also noting that local refineries, including Dangote, were permitted to operate with higher sulfur levels until December 31, 2024. Ukoha also cited a steady reduction in the sulfur content of imported fuel over the past months, rebutting Dangote’s allegations and asserting that there was no “dirty fuel” issue in the country. This back-and-forth reflected a public altercation between NMDPRA and Dangote, with the former effectively taking a stance against Dangote’s concerns while defending its regulatory practices without proper and transparent investigations

“In a new twist, Pinnacle Oil & Gas Limited, although not directly named by Dangote, publicly identified itself as the depot operator in question and dismissed any claims of distributing substandard products. The company emphasized its adherence to regulatory standards and insisted on operating transparently, showing an openness to independent investigation,” . ” HURIWA asserted.

HURIWA noted that Pinnacle’s self-identification, despite not being named by Dangote, underscores the company’s commitment to open investigation—a commitment HURIWA believes the government should take seriously by initiating a thorough investigation.

However, the association criticized what it described as the government’s “conspiratorial silence” regarding Dangote’s allegations and its apparent reluctance to launch a formal inquiry.

HURIWA raised further concerns about the environmental and public health risks associated with substandard fuel. Such low-quality products, the association noted, can cause significant air pollution, increased vehicular emissions, and engine degradation. “Substandard fuel releases harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide, contributing to air pollution and potential respiratory diseases,” HURIWA warned. In a country grappling with major environmental and health challenges, allowing such products into the market is “tantamount to an assault on public health.”

Adding an international dimension, HURIWA highlighted Nigeria’s participation in global climate initiatives, where it seeks support from Western nations to address environmental issues. HURIWA argued that Nigeria’s credibility on the global stage is at stake if it fails to maintain stringent standards domestically. “Nigeria cannot demand accountability from the international community on climate issues while neglecting pollution control at home,” the organization argued.

HURIWA also recalled that previous allegations from Dangote regarding “dirty fuel” imports were presented to members of the House of Representatives. However, little to no follow-up action was taken, and accountability remains unaddressed. The association asserted that these recurring allegations signal an urgent need for regulatory bodies to enforce strict standards and conduct due diligence in fuel quality monitoring.

HURIWA demanded that the government demonstrate its commitment to public safety by initiating a swift, transparent, and unbiased investigation into the quality of fuel entering Nigeria. “It is unacceptable for regulatory bodies to allow potentially harmful fuel products to circulate freely,” HURIWA argued.

The association emphasized that regulatory gaps endanger public health and unfairly disadvantage local refiners who comply with stringent standards.

Furthermore, HURIWA urged the National Assembly to prioritize this matter and convene a public hearing to thoroughly examine the allegations. The association called for immediate upgrades to NMDPRA’s testing facilities to ensure all imported products meet the necessary quality standards before reaching consumers. It insisted that any individuals or entities found responsible for compromising fuel quality should face stringent consequences to deter future incidents.

In closing, HURIWA underscored that the circulation of adulterated fuel products represents a profound threat to consumer rights and environmental safety. “Protecting public health is the highest public good,” the association maintained, adding that Nigeria’s government must take immediate legal steps to halt the distribution of potentially harmful products.

HURIWA concluded by urging Nigeria’s leadership to act decisively, sending a clear message that public safety and product quality are non-negotiable. “This latest controversy presents an opportunity for the government to reaffirm its commitment to public welfare, environmental integrity, and stringent regulatory enforcement,” HURIWA asserted.