Dangote Critiques NMDPRA on Fuel Import Licenses

Aliko Dangote, the billionaire businessman and head of Dangote Industries Limited, stated that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is still issuing fuel import licenses despite public claims that they would cease. He warned that this practice undermines local refinery operations and jeopardizes Nigeria's energy security.

Dangote highlighted that his refinery produces 75 million liters of petrol daily, which should meet the country's fuel demand. However, he noted that the continued issuance of import licenses contradicts official assurances that local refineries would meet national consumption needs.

NMDPRA's data indicated that Nigeria's petrol imports fell significantly in February 2023, yet Dangote expressed concern over the potential for smuggling and the negative impact on local agricultural production. He emphasized the importance of job creation and energy security, particularly in light of Nigeria's historical reliance on imported fuel due to the poor performance of state-owned refineries.

The Dangote refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is expected to play a crucial role in reducing this dependence.