Dangote Refinery Accuses Government of Sabotage

Dangote Petroleum Refinery Petrochem FZE has accused the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) of deliberately sabotaging its operations, which frustrates its investments in Nigeria's downstream petroleum sector. The refinery filed an affidavit in the Federal High Court in Lagos seeking an interim injunction to halt the issuance and renewal of petroleum import licenses to companies that operate crude oil supply arrangements with NNPC.

The refinery claims that the government has failed to ensure adequate crude supply to local refineries, which has harmed its investments. It reported receiving only five crude oil cargoes per month from NNPC, significantly below the 13 cargoes required for full operational capacity.

Despite producing above domestic demand, the refinery alleges that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) continues to issue import licenses in violation of the Petroleum Industry Act. The refinery warns that the government's actions could lead to severe consequences for its operations and the broader economy, including job losses.