Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), is under intense scrutiny following his remarks about the Dangote Refinery. His comments have sparked a wave of criticism from Nigerians, with many calling for his resignation.
On Thursday, Ahmed criticized the Dangote Refinery’s diesel, claiming it is lower quality than imported diesel. He pointed out that the refinery’s diesel has a sulphur content of around 1,000 parts per million (ppm), significantly higher than the 50 ppm standard required in West Africa.
Ahmed’s comments also addressed concerns that the NMDPRA might permit the import of substandard fuel. He argued that Dangote’s fuel, with its higher sulphur content, is not meeting the quality standards. Additionally, Ahmed revealed that the Dangote Refinery, which has been operational for several months, is still in the pre-commissioning phase and lacks proper licensing.
He expressed concern over relying heavily on a single refinery for national fuel supply. He warned that Dangote’s request to halt fuel imports and direct all marketers to his refinery could harm the nation’s energy security. Ahmed stressed that the market could suffer from monopolistic practices if this happens.
Nigerians Respond to Ahmed’s Comments
Ahmed’s remarks have been met with strong reactions from Nigerians, who view his statements as an attempt to undermine the Dangote Refinery. Many on social media call for his removal, alleging that his comments do not serve the country’s best interests.
On Instagram, users accused the government of supporting importers and sabotaging local refineries. One user, Obarotv, criticized the importation of low-quality diesel and suggested that the high-quality products from Dangote could end the subsidy scam. Another user, Owelle_Chima, expressed frustration that those benefiting from imports are hindered by local production.
Comments on Twitter (now X) reflect similar sentiments. Gabriel Ikpe and others have called for Ahmed’s dismissal, arguing that his actions undermine local production and protect corrupt practices. Users like Seyi and Speedy-talks have highlighted the detrimental effects of supporting imported fuels over local production.
What You Should Know
The Dangote Refinery in the Lekki Free Zone near Lagos is one of the world’s largest oil refineries. Built by the Dangote Group, it aims to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel by meeting domestic demand for refined petroleum products.
With a projected capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the refinery is set to transform Nigeria from a fuel importer to a net exporter. The project began in 2016 and includes a petrochemical and fertilizer plant, establishing it as a major industrial hub. The refinery is expected to create thousands of jobs, boost economic growth, and stabilize fuel prices, enhancing Nigeria’s energy security.
