NMDPRA Defends Actions Against Dangote Over Substandard Fuel Allegations

NMDPRA Defends Actions Against Dangote Over Substandard Fuel Allegations

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has reaffirmed its role as a regulatory body, asserting that it is not tasked with protecting specific companies. This statement comes in response to allegations by billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote that the authority was unfairly targeting his company…….. CONTINUE READING 

NMDPRA CEO Farouk Ahmed previously claimed that Dangote’s diesel contained higher sulfur levels compared to imported varieties, noting that the refinery had operated without a required license for months.

In an interview with Punch on Sunday, NMDPRA spokesperson George Ene-Ita vehemently denied accusations of demarketing, emphasizing the agency’s impartial regulatory stance.

“Why should we protect any company? We are regulators, not advocates. Our duty is to enforce regulations across all operators, without favoritism,” Ene-Ita stated. “Accusations of demarketing imply competition between brands, which does not apply to us. We regulate, not promote or demarket.”

Regarding ongoing assessments of Dangote refinery’s diesel quality, Ene-Ita disclosed that the agency awaited updated reports to verify sulfur content claims, acknowledging the complexity of engineering assessments.

“We refrain from media disputes; our focus remains on technical assessments verified through rigorous processes. Our engineers embedded within Dangote refinery will submit their findings, ensuring thorough evaluation of operations,” Ene-Ita added.

The NMDPRA spokesperson concluded by reaffirming the agency’s commitment to regulatory integrity and transparency in overseeing both local and national petroleum refining activities.