In a bid to resolve the lingering disputes between Dangote Refinery, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), and Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, convened a high-level meeting with key stakeholders in the oil sector.
The meeting, held on Monday in Abuja, brought together Aliko Dangote, Chairman/CEO of Dangote Group, Farouk Ahmed, CEO of NMDPRA, Gbenga Komolafe, CEO of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and Mele Kyari, GCEO of NNPC.
The disputes centered on issues such as ownership stakes, licenses, and crude oil prices, which had threatened the smooth operation of the Dangote Refinery. However, with the minister’s intervention, the stakeholders demonstrated a commitment to finding solutions and resolving the challenges.
Lokpobiri emphasized the importance of cooperation and synergy among all stakeholders, stressing that it was crucial for the success and optimal performance of the oil and gas sector, which is pivotal for Nigeria’s economic growth and energy security.
The meeting marked a significant step towards resolving the challenges facing the Dangote Refinery, and underscores the minister’s dedication to fostering a conducive environment for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector to thrive.
With the coming onstream of the $20 billion Dangote Refinery, expected to refine 650,000 barrels per day, Nigeria is poised to become self-sufficient in fuel production, reducing reliance on foreign imports.