BREAKING:I Don’t Own Blending Plant in Malta – NNPC Boss Kyari Replies Dangote

More Retirements Loom As NNPCL Makes Organisational Changes

By Doris Isreal Ijeoma The group chief executive of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Mele Kyari, has denied claims that he owns an oil blending plant in Malta. Kyari made this statement on Tuesday in response to allegations made by Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest person. Dangote had claimed that some NNPC officials own and operate an oil facility in Malta, a small island country in the Mediterranean Sea. He said, “I am inundated by enquiries from family members, friends and associates on the public declaration by the President of Dangote Group that some NNPC workers have established a blending plant in Malta thereby impeding procurements from local production of Petroleum products. “To clarify the allegations regarding blending plant, I do not own or operate any business directly or by proxy anywhere in the world with the exception of a local mini Agric venture. Neither am I aware of any employee of the NNPC, that owns or operates a blending plant in Malta or anywhere else in the world. “A blending plant in Malta or any part of the world has no influence over NNPC’s business operations and strategic actions. “For further assurance, our compliance sanction grid shall apply to any NNPC employee who is established to be involved in doing so if availed and I strongly recommend that such individuals be declared public and be made known to relevant government security agencies for necessary actions in view of the grave implications for national energy security.”

Dangote Refinery’s petroleum products are inferior – NMDPRA

By Doris Isreal Ijeoma In a move, most capable of demarketing its products, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, has said that the quality of petroleum products from the Dangote refinery, as well as those from Watersmith, Aradel, and other modular refineries, is inferior compared to imported ones. Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA Farouk Ahmed disclosed this in a recent interview with journalists, a video of which was published by TVC. The regulator boss discarded reports that some elements within the oil and gas sector were trying to scuttle the Dangote Refinery. According to him, the 650,000 barrel-per-day refinery has not been issued an operational licence by NMDPRA. He noted that the Lagos-based Dangote Refinery is still in the pre-commissioning stage and about 45 per cent completed. Ahmed added that the country can not risk dependence on Dangote Refinery by suspending petroleum products, especially Automotive Gas Oil and Dual Purpose Kerosene, DPK. He said: “That is not so. Dangote Refinery is still in the pre-commissioning stage. It has not been licenced yet. We haven’t licenced them yet. I think they are about 45 per cent to completion. “We cannot rely on one refinery to feed the nation because Dangote is requesting that we suspend or stop imports, especially of AGO and DPK, and direct all marketers to his refinery That is not good for the nation in terms of energy security, and it is not good for the market because of the monopoly.” Ahmed said that in terms of quality, Dangote’s current AGO (diesel) suffers from the lowest quality in terms of sulphur content, falling short of West Africa’s requirement of 50 parts per million (PPM). “Dangote Refinery, as well as some modular refineries like Watersmith Refinery and Aradel Refinery, are producing between 650 and 1,200 PPM. Therefore, in terms of quality, their products are inferior to imported ones,” he stated. This development comes days after the Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said Dangote Refinery is set to commence fuel supply in August 2024. Earlier, Devakumar Edwin, the Vice President of Dangote Industries Limited, had alleged that most fuel products imported into Nigeria are substandard. He also accused international oil companies of frustrating the kickoff of the Dangote Refinery by selling oil crude at a higher price in Nigeria. However, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission dismissed Edwin’s claim of substandard petroleum products in Nigeria. It would be recalled that Alhaji Aliko Dangote recently told a bewildered nation grappling with needless petrol scarcity that some vested interests in the oil industry were sabotaging his effort to satisfy Nigeria’s petrol demand.

NNPCL, CBN, and Others Assure Nigerians of Imminent Economic Recovery …Nigeria to Become Net Exporter of Petroleum by December

Senate Probes 'One Chance' Victim's Tragic Death, Maitama Hospital Negligence

Critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s economy, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), have assured citizens that the nation’s ailing economy is on the path to recovery. This assurance was given during an interactive session held on Monday with joint committees of the National Assembly on Finance. The session, attended by key figures such as the Ministers of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, Minister of State Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, NNPCL’s Group Executive Officer, Mela Kyari, and CBN Governor, Mr. Yemi Cardoso, focused on strategies to revitalize the economy. In his presentation, Mela Kyari, Group Executive Officer of NNPCL, informed the committee that Nigeria is set to become a net exporter of petroleum by December. He cited the upcoming commencement of production at the Port Harcourt refinery in early August, followed by the Warri refinery, and the Kaduna refinery by December. Kyari also revealed that Nigeria’s oil production is expected to reach 2 million barrels per day soon, as all necessary measures have been implemented. “Mr. Chairman and members of the Joint Committee, the NNPCL and the oil and gas industry are pivotal in transforming our economic situation. We have seen growth in our oil and gas production due to actions taken by the President and our commitment to enhancing production activities,” Kyari stated. Kyari also highlighted the potential contributions of the Dangote refinery and other smaller producers, expressing confidence that Nigeria will be a net exporter of petroleum products by the end of the year. The CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso, represented by Deputy Governor for Economic Policy Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, addressed the challenges of rising inflation, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, and food inflation. He indicated that these issues are expected to improve soon, based on emerging economic indicators. Also, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, mentioned that the 2024 budget is already in implementation. He also noted ongoing negotiations with labor leaders on the minimum wage to prevent further economic disruptions. In his response, Senator Sani Musa, Chairman of the Committee, appealed to Nigerians to remain patient as the government works tirelessly to stabilize the economy. “Our interactive session with you, the managers of the economy, is about fostering economic growth and ensuring that our policies benefit Nigerians. The National Assembly is committed to addressing the economic challenges and supporting the President’s efforts to bring stability,” Senator Musa remarked. The Lawmaker also acknowledged the difficulties faced by the economy in recent years and emphasized the need for gradual improvements, urging Nigerians to persevere and support the current administration. “The indicators show that the economy is on the mend. Although inflation remains a challenge, progress is being made, and with time, the situation will improve,” he concluded.

Breaking: NUPENG, PENGASSAN write Tinubu, seek probe of alleged IOCs against Dangote Refinery

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG and its Petroleum and Natural and Senior Staff Association, PENGASSAN, have written to President Bola Tinubu, demanding a high powered investigation into the allegation that the International Oil Companies, IOCs, are plotting to undermine and destabilize the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals. In a written through the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, dated July 1, 2024, the oil workers demanded among others, that the findings of such investigation must be made public to ensure transparency and maintain public trust. The letter signed by the NUPENG’s General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale and his PENGASSAN’s counterpart, Lumumba Okugbawa, read “The leadership and members of our great Union and Association profoundly appreciate your commitment and dedication to restoring the economic growth and prosperity of our dear Nation and we are also fuly mobilized and committed to supporting al your laudable thoughts and hard decisions towards these lofty goals. “Unfortunately, we are deeply concerned and shocked by the recent unusual allegations by the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company of a deliberate plot by some International Oil Companies (IOCs) to frustrate their business efforts and continued existence. “These sabotaging actions reportedly include denying the Refinery crude oil supply and artificially inflating market prices of the crude oil to the Company, thereby forcing Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company to source crude oil from other countries, even as far as the United States of America with attendant high operating costs and logistics. “The Dangote Refinery is not only a critical National asset but also a beacon of hope for our energy security, economic growth, and employment opportunities. The economic benefits of a Local Refinery with such capacity as the Dangote’s to Nigeria, can never be overstated. “This is why for several decades now, NUPENG and PENGASSAN have campaigned vigorously that Nigeria should make ti a pre-requisite condition that Companies that want to benefit from JVC arrangements with Nigeria, to set up a Refinery/Petrochemical Company ni Nigeria. “Unfortunately, no sucessive Governments summoned enough political and patriotic courage to take that logical and pragmatic policy direction. The survival of companies that have braved ti up and invested hugely ni refining crude ni Nigeria thus saving our Nation from wasteful product importations that profit other countries and cost us forex, should be of great interest to us as a Nation because of the enormous economic benefits involved. “Our demands are as follows: Immediate Investigation: The Federal Government should set up an independent panel ot investigate the claims of sabotage by some International Oli Companies. This investigation should be compreensive and transparent, ensuring that al parties involved are held accountable. “Public Disclosure: The findings of this investigation must be made public ot ensure transparency and maintain public trust. Nigerians deserve to know the truth about the actions of these International Oil Companies and the impact on our National interests. “Legal Action: Should the allegations be substantiated, we expect the Government to take decisive legal action against the entities involved. This must include sanctions, penalties, and any other measures necessary to deter future acts of economic sabotage. “Support for Dangote Refinery: The Government should provide al necessary support to ensure the uninterrupted commencement and operation of the Dangote Refinery. This includes ensuring security and stability around the Refinery’s operations. “Your Excellency Sir, we trust your courage and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian project and we believe that the Presidency wil take decisive action to safeguard the Dangote Refinery and ensure its successful operation for the benefit of our Nation.

JUST IN: Dangote Refinery contains minor fire at its effluent treatment plant

The management of Dangote Refinery has reacted to reports of a fire incident at its refinery on Wednesday, saying the ‘minor fire’ occurred at its Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) and has been swiftly contained. Anthony Chiejina, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer for Dangote Group, confirmed the development in a statement made available to Tribune Online. He assured the public that there was no cause for alarm as the refinery continued to operate normally and no injuries or harm was reported among the staff on duty.   “We have swiftly contained a minor fire incident at our effluent treatment plant (ETP) today, Wednesday, 26th of June. There is no cause for alarm as the refinery is operating, and there is no recorded injury or body harm to all our staff on duty,” Chiejina stated

Senate Urges NLNG to Allocate $43 Million for Human Capital Development

Senate Probes 'One Chance' Victim's Tragic Death, Maitama Hospital Negligence

The Senate has directed the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited to allocate $43 million from the $4.3 billion Train-7 project towards human capital development initiatives. This directive came during an interactive session held at the National Assembly on Tuesday, involving representatives from NLNG, NCDMB, Saipem Contracting Limited, and Daewoo Engineering & Construction. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the chairman of the committee, emphasized the importance of compliance with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act. According to a statement released by her chief press secretary, Arogbonlo Israel, in Abuja, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed the significance of transparent and effective utilization of the allocated funds to benefit Nigerians and enhance the country’s human capital development and institutional strengthening. Of the $43 million designated for human capital development, $25.8 million, constituting 60 percent of the total, is earmarked for learning institutions from public primary to tertiary levels nationwide. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan highlighted the infrastructure deficits in Nigeria’s primary and secondary schools, citing a report by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), which identified approximately 40,000 classrooms in deplorable conditions. She suggested that NLNG’s human capital development initiatives should support UBEC’s efforts to provide adequate educational facilities. Moreover, the senator pointed out discrepancies in reported figures for the NLNG Train-7 project. Depending on the project’s valuation, she outlined different allocations for institutional strengthening and various training programs. For projects in the oil and gas sector valued over $500 million, 1 percent of the project value is allocated to human capacity development and institutional strengthening. The Senate committee, in collaboration with NLNG and NCDMB, aims to establish a framework and select public institutions across the country to benefit from the strategic program. This initiative is geared towards enhancing the capacity of learning institutions, addressing the issue of out-of-school children, and improving learning structures in public institutions. The effective utilization of these funds is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s human capacity development and institutional strengthening.