Tijjani Usman MuhammadPresident of the Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has publicly criticised the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), alleging that its leadership is undermining efforts to expand domestic refining capacity. Dangote made the remarks at a press briefing held at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki, Lagos, where he said regulatory actions are contributing to sustained dependence on imported fuel rather than supporting local production.
According to Dangote, import licences for petroleum products are still being issued on a large scale, despite the growing capacity of local refineries to supply the national market — a practice he says is detrimental to Nigeria’s industrialisation and energy security. He claimed that millions of litres of import permits have been granted for fuel even as domestic refining is ready to deliver products at competitive prices.
He expressed particular concern about the conduct of the NMDPRA’s Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, alleging that the regulator’s actions have discouraged investment, hampered job creation, and distorted market signals that should benefit local refiners. Dangote called for a formal probe into the regulator’s conduct and financial dealings, saying regulatory accountability is necessary to restore confidence in the sector.
Dangote also pledged ongoing support for domestic refining and reiterated plans to list the refinery on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) to broaden ownership and participation by Nigerians. He maintained that with proper regulatory cooperation, local production can help stabilise fuel supply and reduce the country’s reliance on costly petroleum imports.
