NMDPRA Chief faces backlash over comment on Dangote Refinery

Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), is facing widespread criticism following his controversial remarks about the Dangote Refinery.

Many Nigerians are now calling for his resignation.

On Thursday, Ahmed stated that the diesel produced by the $19 billion Dangote Refinery is inferior to imported diesel, citing a high sulphur content of about 1,000 parts per million (ppm) in Dangote’s diesel.

He also claimed that despite ongoing sales of diesel and aviation fuel in Nigeria, the refinery is not yet licensed and remains in the pre-commissioning stage.

Ahmed further argued that relying heavily on a single refinery could jeopardize energy security and market competition.

“Dangote is requesting that we suspend or stop importation of all petroleum products, especially AGO, and direct all marketers to the refinery. This is not good for the nation in terms of energy security and market competition,” he said.

“The quality of diesel currently available in West Africa requires a sulphur content of 50 ppm, while Dangote and other modular refineries produce diesel with a sulphur content between 650 to 1,200 ppm.”

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Nigerians have reacted strongly to Ahmed’s comments, accusing him of trying to undermine the refinery.

Many have taken to social media to call for President Bola Tinubu to remove Ahmed from his position, arguing that his remarks do not align with the country’s interests.

On Instagram, user Obarotv commented, “These guys import the worst kind of diesel that is banned in the West. They are making big bucks with imports and don’t want to see an end to it.”

Another user, Owelle_Chima, stated, “If Dangote begins to produce all petroleum products in Nigeria, the subsidy scam will end. They will frustrate Dangote until his mental billions investment will go down the drain.”

Similarly, on Twitter, users echoed these sentiments. Seyi said, “Patronizing Dangote will collapse the fuel import cabal. They don’t want invoices, loading tickets, and meters verifiable.

The crude out and returned processed quantity and final payments are so cryptic they’d do anything to protect the fraud.” Speedy talk added, “The FG needs to relieve this guy from that office for demarketing brand Nigeria. This is not how to promote local production and export made in Nigeria.”

The Dangote Refinery, located in the Lekki Free Zone near Lagos, is one of the largest oil refineries globally.

Initiated by the Dangote Group, it aims to meet Nigeria’s domestic demand for refined petroleum products and reduce the country’s reliance on imported fuel. With a projected capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the refinery is expected to transform Nigeria from an importer to a net exporter of refined petroleum products.

Beyond the oil sector, the Dangote Refinery is anticipated to create thousands of jobs, stimulate economic growth, stabilize fuel prices, and ensure a steady supply for local markets, significantly contributing to Nigeria’s energy security