Atiku sounds warning on Dangote Refinery project

Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned against potential attempts to hinder the progress of the Dangote Refinery Ltd, describing the project as a critical private sector initiative poised to address Nigeria’s energy and forex challenges.

In a statement, Atiku Abubakar emphasized the importance of protecting and supporting the project, warning that internal and external forces may be collaborating to prevent the country from reaping its benefits.

Atiku reacting to the faceoff between Dangote Refinery Ltd and NNPC Ltd on crude oil allocation, urged Nigerians to be resolute in ensuring that the nurturing and development of the project remain a primary focus.

He said, “Each parent eagerly awaiting the arrival of a child will dutifully undertake the necessary measures to ensure that the nurturing and development of this precious blessing remain a primary focus. This fundamental principle applies equally to investments, whether they be local or international in nature.

“With this understanding, I am cautious in considering any deliberate attempts to impede the progress of the Dangote Refinery, a significant private sector project positioned to meet our energy and forex needs.

“Alongside numerous fellow citizens of goodwill, I call upon all Nigerians to take resolute actions to provide reassurance that both internal and external forces are not collaborating to prevent us from reaping the benefits promised by this eagerly anticipated transformative endeavour.”

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Committee, NUPRC’, had announce the allocation of 29 million barrels of crude oil to the refinery, however, Dangote asserts that they have yet to receive the cargoes.

In a statement, Dangote’s Group Chief, Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, said NUPRC has only facilitated the purchase of one crude cargo from a domestic producer, with the remaining cargoes sourced from international traders.

Chiejina emphasized that Dangote Refinery was seeking to purchase crude oil directly from domestic producers, as stipulated in the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, however, NUPRC’s statement suggests that they cannot enforce this provision, citing “sanctity of contracts” as a reason.