The House of Representatives has called on President Ahmed Tinubu to suspend Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), following his controversial remarks about the high sulfur content in diesel produced by the Dangote Refinery. The suspension is requested pending a thorough investigation into the allegations by the House.
This recommendation was made after the House adopted a motion of urgent public importance moved by Rep. Esosa Iyawe during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Rep. Iyawe recounted that the NMDPRA CEO recently claimed the diesel produced by Dangote Refinery was inferior to imported diesel, citing high sulfur levels between 650 to 1,200 ppm. However, subsequent tests, supervised by House representatives, revealed that Dangote’s diesel had a sulfur content of 87.6 ppm, significantly lower than the imported samples which exceeded 1800 ppm and 2000 ppm, respectively.
“The unsubstantiated statements by the NMDPRA CEO, now disproved, have caused public outrage and undermined local refineries, promoting continued fuel imports—a potential act of economic sabotage,” Iyawe stated.
He further emphasized that ultra-low sulfur diesel is recommended for various industries due to its lesser impact on engine hardware and reduced air pollution, contrasting with the high sulfur content fuels that pose significant health and environmental risks.
The House has launched an investigation into the matter, promising to invite Dangote Refinery and other industry stakeholders for further deliberations and necessary actions.
AfDB President and Political Figures React
The President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, has expressed concern over the criticisms directed at Dangote Refinery, cautioning that such actions could deter foreign investors from Nigeria. He emphasized that undermining Dangote, Nigeria’s largest private investor, sends negative signals to potential investors.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of the Dangote refinery for Nigeria’s energy needs and economic stability. He warned that the ongoing conflict could adversely affect foreign direct investment in the country.
Calls for Support
Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged the government to support Dangote Refinery, describing it as too vital to fail. He highlighted the refinery’s potential to generate significant revenue and job creation, and its strategic importance in addressing Nigeria’s fuel crisis.
NNPC’s Response
In response to allegations that some NNPC officials own an oil blending plant in Malta, Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, denied any involvement or knowledge of such operations. He assured that any employee found guilty would face appropriate sanctions.
The ongoing debate and investigation underscore the critical role of local refineries in Nigeria’s energy sector and the need for careful management of industry regulations and public statements.
News Editor