Support for Dangote Refinery Swells, Kyari Denies Owning Blending Plant in Malta
Amid ongoing disagreements between Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), prominent Nigerians are voicing strong support for Alhaji Aliko Dangote. They urge the government to back the $19 billion refinery in Lagos, emphasizing its importance to Nigeria’s energy and economic stability.
Key figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, billionaire Femi Otedola, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi highlighted the refinery’s potential to drive economic growth and attract foreign investment. They criticized NMDPRA’s claims about product quality and called for swift resolution and protection of Dangote’s investments.
Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) CEO Mele Kyari denied owning any blending plant in Malta, responding to allegations by Dangote. Meanwhile, NMDPRA’s Farouk Ahmed asserted that the refinery is still in the pre-commissioning stage and cannot meet the country’s fuel needs alone.
Industry groups like NACCIMA and MAN stressed the need to protect local industries, highlighting Dangote’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy. The House of Representatives called for Ahmed’s suspension pending investigations into his statements.