Dangote Industries Limited’s Vice President, Oil and Gas, Devakumar Edwin, accuses International Oil Companies (IOCs) in Nigeria of frustrating Dangote Oil Refinery and Petrochemicals’ survival. Edwin alleges IOCs deliberately inflate crude prices, forcing Dangote to import from the US at higher costs.
Speaking to Energy Editors, Edwin lamented the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority’s (NMDPRA) indiscriminate licensing of dirty refined product imports. Dangote delivered on its refinery promise, exporting 90% of production, and deserves government support.
IOCs frustrate Dangote’s local crude purchases, forcing imports and increasing costs.NUPRC tries to allocate crude, but IOCs resist, prioritizing exports over local refining.
IOCs aim to keep Nigeria dependent on imported refined products, exploiting the country’s resources. Dangote refinery faces challenges despite meeting international standards and complying with regulations.
NMDPRA grants licenses for dirty diesel imports, harming the economy and public health. Belgium and the Netherlands banned exports of high-sulphur diesel to West Africa due to carcinogenic effects.
Dangote refinery exports diesel and aviation fuel to Europe, complying with ECOWAS regulations.
The government and National Assembly must intervene to implement the Petroleum Industry Act and protect Nigeria’s interests. Ghana has banned highly contaminated diesel imports, while Nigeria continues to grant licenses despite local refining capacity.
ECOWAS regulations prohibit highly contaminated diesel imports, but Nigeria fails to enforce them. Dangote urges support for local refining and economic growth, appealing to the government to address these issues.
