Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, stirred up controversy by calling for an independent audit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPC) decision to cap its investment in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. This call was prompted by the company’s unexpected move to limit its stake to 7.2% instead of the previously planned 20%. The Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC, Mele Kyari, denied owning a blending plant outside Nigeria, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.
Ezekwesili broke her silence on the matter, taking to her official platform to express her concern over the controversy swirling around the Dangote refinery-NNPC saga. She emphasized that, as more information came to light from both parties, it became increasingly evident that something murky had occurred. Urging for urgent public accountability, she stressed the need for a thorough investigation into the matter.
Meanwhile, the house of representatives has also entered the fray, demanding the suspension of Farouk Ahmed, the chief executive officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), over what they termed as “unguarded comments”. The motion for the CEO’s suspension was passed following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Esosa Iyawe from Edo. The motion titled ‘Urgent Need to Address the Outrage Resulting from Unguarded Comments by the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority’ was unanimously supported during the plenary session on Tuesday.
These developments underscore the growing unease and tensions in Nigeria’s petroleum sector, particularly in relation to major projects like the Dangote refinery. The clash between the NMDPRA and Dangote refinery reflects deeper issues within the industry, warranting a closer look from authorities. As both public and private entities navigate this complex landscape, the demand for transparency and accountability remains paramount.
In response to these mounting concerns, the call for an independent audit of NNPC’s investment in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery gains momentum. With key figures like Oby Ezekwesili and the house of representatives taking a stance, the pressure for a thorough investigation into the issue intensifies. It is clear that the outcome of this saga will likely have significant implications for the future of Nigeria’s petroleum industry, highlighting the need for swift and decisive action to address the controversies surrounding major projects and regulatory bodies.
