Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has revealed that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery continues to receive repeated orders for its products from international markets, including Europe, Singapore, and offshore Lome, since commencing production.
During a tour of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals and the Dangote Fertiliser Limited complex by members of the House of Representatives, Dangote criticized the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for undermining local industries.
He accused the regulatory authority of misleading the public and supporting the continued importation of low-quality fuel into Nigeria.
“I urge you to set up a committee to take samples at filling stations and compare them with our own samples.
All the test certificates people are flaunting are fake.
Where are the laboratories where those tests were conducted?” Dangote questioned.
“De-marketing of a company by a regulator that is supposed to protect it is very unfortunate.”
Dangote highlighted the superior quality of diesel produced by his refinery. “You can see that we produce the best diesel in Nigeria,” he asserted.
“It is disheartening that instead of safeguarding the market, the regulator is undermining it. Our doors are open for the regulator to conduct tests on our products anytime.”
He further challenged the NMDPRA to showcase its laboratory to the public, allowing Nigerians to compare the quality of locally refined products with imported ones.
“Our interest is Nigeria first. If Nigeria doesn’t grow, we have limited capacity for growth,” Dangote stated.
Supporting Statements and Regulatory Criticism
Vice President of Gas and Oil at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, echoed Dangote’s concerns, citing actions by European countries like Belgium and the Netherlands, which have banned high-sulphur diesel exports to West Africa due to health risks.
“These countries have expressed concerns about the carcinogenic effects of high-sulphur diesel being dumped into the Nigerian market,” Edwin said.
He emphasized that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery conforms to Euro V specifications and other international standards.
Lawmakers’ Reactions and Future Steps
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, announced the Green Chamber’s plan to establish a committee to investigate the quality of imported refined products.
“Sampled products from various sources will undergo testing as part of this initiative,” Abass noted.
During the tour, Abass praised the Dangote Oil Refinery’s infrastructure, describing it as a significant asset in Nigeria’s quest for self-sufficiency in petroleum products.
“The sheer scale and sophistication of this facility are awe-inspiring; it stands as a beacon of hope for our country,” he said.
Abass commended the state-of-the-art technology at the refinery, calling it a shining example of engineering and innovation excellence.
“Every drop produced here carries the hopes and dreams of millions who yearn for a brighter future,” he remarked.
The Speaker acknowledged the challenges faced by the refinery during its construction and lauded Dangote for his steadfast commitment to excellence.
“Your unwavering commitment to excellence shines through despite regulatory hurdles, complexities surrounding crude oil supplies, and the daunting economic landscape,” he concluded.
