Dangote acting as regulator in oil, gas market – Ex-UN Rapporteur, Ezeilo

A former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Trafficking, Professor Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, SAN, says Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote is acting as if he’s a regulator in the oil and gas market.

Ezeilo said this could be described as an attempt to establish a monopoly, which according to her could worsen Nigerians’ exploitation.

Dangote Refinery had alleged that cheaper PMS implied substandard petroleum products.

However, in a post on her X handle on Tuesday, Ezeilo, also a former Dean of Faculty of Law, University of Nigeria, said Dangote’s concerns about substandard petroleum products from competitors shouldn’t be a strategy to eliminate competition and create the monopoly.

“I don’t understand why Africa’s richest man is acting as a regulator in the oil and gas market.

“This seems like an attempt to establish a monopoly, which could worsen Nigerians’ exploitation. Concerns about the NNPCL, independent oil marketers, and allegations of substandard petroleum products from competitors have been raised.

“I hope this isn’t a strategy to eliminate all competition and create the monopoly they’re accustomed to.

“Nigerians are suffering from economic hardship and need affordable fuel, not excuses about costs compared to Saudi Arabia.

“I urge the government to issue more licenses and support others in the industry, similar to how Dangote Refinery has benefited.

“This could lead to more modular refineries, lower fuel prices, and curbing inflation and food crisis,” Ezeilo said.