Dangote Challenges NMDPRA, Tests Diesel In The Presence Of House Reps Leadership

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Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, affirmed that products refined at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals are of superior quality compared to imported equivalents and meet international standards. This declaration came following a quality test requested by the House of Representatives' leadership, who insisted on comparing diesel products from Dangote's refinery against other imported samples.

During a tour of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Dangote Fertiliser Limited complex, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, along with other members, observed the testing of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) from two petrol stations alongside Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s product. They praised Dangote for his substantial investments and contributions to Nigeria’s development.

The diesel samples, procured from two filling stations near Eleko junction along the Lekki Epe Expressway, were tested in the presence of the Chairman of the House Committee on Downstream, Hon. Ikeagwunon Ugochinyere, and Chairman of the House Committee on Midstream, Hon. Okojie Odianosen. Results revealed that Dangote’s diesel had a sulphur content of 87.6 ppm (parts per million), significantly lower than the other two samples, which showed sulphur levels exceeding 1800 ppm and 2000 ppm respectively.

These findings contradict recent claims by Farouk Ahmed, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority (NMDPRA), who suggested that imported diesel surpasses domestically refined products. Dangote challenged the regulator to compare the quality of refined products from his refinery with imported ones, advocating for an impartial assessment to best serve Nigerians' interests.

We produce the best diesel in Nigeria. It’s disheartening that instead of safeguarding the market, the regulator is undermining it. Our doors are open for the regulator to conduct tests on our products anytime; transparency is paramount to us," 

said Dangote. 

He highlighted that while the NMDPRA permits local refiners to produce diesel with sulphur content up to 650 ppm until January 2025, Dangote’s diesel is already significantly lower and aims to achieve 10 ppm next week, aligning with the Euro V standard.

Dangote pointed out that high-sulphur content diesel regularly imported into Nigeria often comes with dubious certifications, posing health risks and financial losses for Nigerians. He emphasized that the most effective method to verify quality is to purchase the product directly from filling stations and conduct credibility tests. Supporting Dangote’s assertion, Devakumar Edwin, VP of Gas and Oil at Dangote Industries Limited, noted that European countries like Belgium and the Netherlands have imposed bans on high-sulphur diesel exports to West Africa due to its carcinogenic effects.

Edwin informed lawmakers that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, designed to process a wide range of crudes, conforms to Euro V specifications and complies with multiple international emission standards. Products from the $20 billion facility meet 100% of Nigeria’s demand for petrol, diesel, kerosene, and aviation jet fuel, with surpluses available for export.

Olakunle Alake, the Group’s VP, expressed disappointment over accusations of monopoly against Dangote Group, stressing that there are multiple players in the industry, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which operates four refineries.

Speaker Abbas, concerned over the controversy surrounding the quality of imported refined products, announced the establishment of a committee to investigate the matter thoroughly. He praised the Dangote Oil Refinery's infrastructure, describing it as a significant asset in Nigeria’s quest for self-sufficiency in petroleum products.

“Today’s visit to the magnificent facilities of Dangote Industries Oil Refinery section has been enlightening. It has afforded us a rare opportunity to witness first-hand the monumental strides that your organisation has made in transforming the landscape of petroleum production in Nigeria," Abbas said. He commended the state-of-the-art technology at the refinery as revolutionary and a shining example of engineering and innovation excellence.

Acknowledging the challenges encountered during the refinery's construction, Abbas lauded Dangote for his steadfast commitment to excellence. “Despite the regulatory hurdles, complexities surrounding crude oil supplies, and economic challenges, your unwavering commitment to excellence shines through,” he attested.