Aliko Dangote, the President of the Dangote Group, has responded to reports suggesting that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) declined to provide crude oil to Dangote’s new refinery. Certain media outlets had claimed that the Dangote Refinery was unable to commence operations in August due to a lack of crude oil supply. These reports cited an interview with the company’s Group Executive Director, Devakumar Edwin, conducted by S&P Global Commodity Insights.
In a concise statement, Dangote clarified that the NNPC, led by Mele Kyari, was prepared and eager to supply crude oil to the refinery within a few weeks to facilitate the initiation of refining operations at the facility. The primary promoter of the $19.5 billion facility, widely recognized as the world’s largest single-train refinery, sought to dispel misconceptions arising from a recent interview with Devakumar Edwin by S&P Global Commodity Insights.
However, a portion of the interview where Edwin explained the slight delay in commencing production at the refinery was misinterpreted by some sections of the media as an indication that NNPC had denied the refinery feedstock supply. In his statement, Dangote refuted this claim, emphasizing that NNPC had never withheld crude oil supplies from the company, contrary to certain circulating media reports.
He further highlighted NNPC’s consistent support and encouragement within the oil and gas sector, stating, “As a shareholder and a responsible partner, it is unfounded to assume that NNPC would take any action to obstruct or delay the commencement of operations at our refinery. We will begin refining with Nigerian crude.”
Dangote concluded by expressing deep appreciation for the partnership with NNPC and its subsidiaries, especially under the leadership of the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari. Through the refinery located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos, Dangote’s objective is to make Nigeria self-reliant in fuel production and release a significant surplus for export, thereby eliminating the embarrassing distinction of Africa’s largest oil producer that relies on imported refined petroleum products.
Source: Legit.ng, Thisday, Arisenews
