The Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, along with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and industry regulators such as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), convened in Abuja to address the ongoing crisis in the country’s oil sector.
The meeting aimed to tackle issues including the crude oil supply to local refineries, concerns about monopoly, and the production of high-sulfur petroleum products in Nigeria.
Key figures present at the meeting were Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of NUPRC, and Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive of NNPC.
Heineken Lokpobiri, in a statement relayed by the Minister’s Special Adviser Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, highlighted the necessity of collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the prosperity and efficiency of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, crucial for the country’s economic growth and energy security.
The meeting was deemed a crucial step towards addressing challenges surrounding the Dangote Refinery and demonstrates the Minister’s commitment to fostering a favorable environment for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Tensions have risen between Dangote and other industry stakeholders regarding the alleged failure of International Oil Companies to supply crude to their refinery, a claim disputed by NUPRC.
Additionally, there have been allegations of non-compliance with standards in the importation and local refining of Premium Motor Spirit.
