CSOs to Oversee NNPC Compliance with Crude Oil Sales to Dangote Refinery

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has announced plans to closely monitor the Nigerian National Petroleum Limited’s (NNPCL) compliance with crude oil sales to the Dangote Refinery. The move aims to ensure transparency and adherence to regulatory standards in the transactions between the state oil company and the privately-owned refinery.

The CSOs revealed their intentions during a recent tour of the 650,000 bpd refinery in Lagos.

Solomon Adodo of Rise Up for A United Nigeria, speaking on behalf of the 28 participating CSOs, expressed concern over the government’s apparent reluctance to support the local refinery. He noted that the refinery could play a crucial role in addressing the nation’s fuel crisis and foreign exchange issues.

The group also accused NNPCL of ignoring President Bola Tinubu’s directive to sell crude oil to the Dangote Refinery in Naira. They pledged to intensify their advocacy efforts to ensure the refinery’s operational success.

Adodo’s statement highlighted their frustration: “The NNPCL and regulatory agencies seem to be deliberately undermining our refineries to favor continued imports of petroleum products. After witnessing this world-class facility, it is perplexing why the government would oppose such a significant project.”

The CSOs plan to establish a situation room to monitor NNPCL’s compliance with the presidential directive and prevent any attempts to sabotage the policy.

Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Dangote Industries Limited, supported the CSOs’ concerns, emphasizing the refinery’s potential to transform Nigeria’s economy. He noted that similar initiatives in the cement and sugar sectors had turned Nigeria into an exporter of these products. Despite challenges, including securing a steady supply of crude oil, the Dangote Refinery remains committed to advancing Nigeria’s petroleum industry.