The Federal Government on Monday took a step towards settling the disagreement between billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Naija News understands that the likes of the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed; Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, and Dangote, were all present at the crucial meeting convened by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri.
Dangote has been embroiled in disputes with the Nigerian government concerning his refinery project in Lagos.
Initially, Dangote shared his frustrations regarding a group obstructing his efforts to import crude oil and the subsequent challenges in obtaining necessary products, which have impeded the progress of operations.
However, the situation escalated when the NMDPRA announced that the government had not yet granted the necessary licenses for Dangote’s refinery to commence operations.
This statement was made by the CEO of NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, during an interview with journalists at the state House on Thursday.
Ahmed clarified that the allegations of Dangote’s refinery operations being halted due to a lack of crude oil supply from International Oil Companies were unfounded.
He further explained that the refinery was currently in the pre-commissioning phase and had not received the necessary licenses.
Furthermore, Ahmed asserted that Dangote’s diesel product did not meet international standards, a claim that Dangote refuted during a session with the media over the weekend.
Nonetheless, during a session with members of the House of Representatives over the weekend, Dangote stated that the diesel produced by his refinery met international standards of quality.
A statement issued today by Lokpobiri’s Special Adviser Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, stated that “The stakeholders expressed their gratitude to the minister for his exemplary leadership and timely intervention in facilitating this crucial dialogue.
“The meeting focused on finding a sustainable and lasting solution to the current impasse affecting the Dangote Refinery, with all parties demonstrating a commitment to collaborative and proactive problem-solving.”
The statement highlighted that the Minister underscored the importance of collaboration and synergy among all relevant stakeholders to guarantee the success and optimal functionality of the Oil and Gas sector, which is essential for Nigeria’s economic development and energy security.
It was observed that the meeting represented a substantial milestone in addressing the challenges and emphasized the Minister’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to the growth and prosperity of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
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