ALHAJI Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Group, has accused the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and International Oil Companies (IOCs) of obstructing the crude oil supply to the Dangote Refinery.
In a statement released on Thursday, Africa’s richest man responded to reports that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) provides about 60 percent of the 50 million barrels of crude required by the refinery.
Dangote highlighted that the main issue is NUPRC’s failure to enforce domestic supply obligations for IOCs operating in Nigeria.
He explained that when Dangote Refinery sought crude from the IOCs, they were either directed to third parties or informed that their cargoes were already allocated.
He expressed frustration over NUPRC’s reluctance to ensure full compliance with domestic crude supply requirements.
For September, the refinery needs 15 cargoes but has only been allocated six by NNPC.
Despite appeals to NUPRC, the remaining cargoes have not been secured.
Dangote also mentioned that previous attempts to address the issue, including President Bola Tinubu’s directive for NNPCL to sell crude in Naira to local refineries, have yet to be implemented.
Eighteen-Eleven Media