Dangote vs NNPCL: Coalition alleges plot to frustrate local refineries in Nigeria

The Coalition of Energy Reforms Lawyers and Activists, CERLA has alleged a plot by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL to frustrate local refineries.

At a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the coalition alleged that the NNPCL was not being transparent in its deal with the Dangote refinery.

There has been confusion over the price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS purchased by the NNPCL from the Dangote Refinery.NNPCL had claimed it loaded over 70 trucks from Dangote Refinery at N898 per litre.

But, Dangote group spokesperson, Anthony Chiejina faulted the position on the price, insisting that the product was sold to NNPCL in dollars and less than what the company claimed.

Speaking on the matter while addressing journalists, the convener of the coalition, Okwa Dan alleged that NNPCL was aiming at “frustrating local refineries and perpetuating fuel subsidy scams”.

According to him, the actions of the NNPCL imply that there is a “subtle attempt to create an impression that the importation of PMS is cheaper than local production hence the falsehood that the Dangote refinery sold PMS at N868 per litre.

“This is so because the NNPCL is a beneficiary of the fuel subsidy scam that has impoverished the Nigerian people for decades.

“The NNPCL has refused to allow the local refineries to operate because of the fraud it is perpetuating in the importation of PMS into the country.

“Therefore, the operation of the Dangote refinery would bring to an end their fraudulent activities, which is essentially why they have been working against the operations of the Dangote refinery”.

“We might be left with no choice but to take legal action against the NNPCL and the federal government by extension. We wish to state that the elephant in the room is the lack of transparency and accountability in the affairs of NNPCL”.