L-R: Gbenga Komolafe, CEO of NUPRC Minister Lokpobiri, Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, Mele Kyari, Group CEO of NNPCL and Eng Ahmed Farouk, CEO of Midstream and Downstream sector of NNPCL.
By Ayo Kehinde
Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Oil, yesterday waded into the ongoing impasse between the Chairman of Dangote Group and the Nigeria National Petroleum Company limited, NNPCL, over quality of product from Dangote refinery and convened a high-level meeting with key stakeholders to address and resolve the ongoing issues surrounding the Dangote Refinery.
The meeting however failed to achieve anything as both parties stuck to their positions, with Dangote insisting on the CEO of Midstream and Downtown Farouk of NNPCL, who made the allegations against his refinery to provide proof to back his allegations.
Aliko Dangote had at weekend and his alleged sabotage and conspiracy against the $20bn Dangote Refinery by key officials in the NNPCL, international oil companies and the regulatory agencies, who conspired to ground the country’ d refineries to feather their nest and now turn their guns on Dangote refinery.
Special Adviser Media and Communication to Minster of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Nneamaka Okafor said those Present at the meeting were:
Mr. Aliko Dangote, Chairman and CEO of Dangote.
Mr. Farouk Ahmed, Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority – NMDPRA
Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission -NUPRC.
Mr. Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited – NNPCL.
He said the stakeholders expressed their gratitude to the Minister for his exemplary leadership and timely intervention in facilitating this crucial dialogue.
The meeting focused on finding a sustainable and lasting solution to the current impasse affecting the Dangote Refinery, with all parties demonstrating a commitment to collaborative and proactive problem-solving.
The Minister emphasized the importance of cooperation and synergy among all stakeholders to ensure the success and optimal performance of the Oil and Gas sector, which is pivotal for Nigeria’s economic growth and energy security.
This meeting marks a significant step towards resolving the challenges and underscores the Minister’s dedication to fostering a conducive environment for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
