Editor
A coalition of advocates for energy reform has raised alarms over an alleged scheme by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to manipulate the pricing of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the Dangote Refinery.
The group, operating under the banner of the Coalition of Energy Reforms Lawyers and Activists (CERLA) accused NNPCL of orchestrating a campaign to undermine the operations of the refinery and perpetuate corruption within Nigeria’s oil sector.
During a press conference, CERLA’s spokesperson, Okwa Dan, asserted that NNPCL had been disseminating false information, claiming that Dangote Refinery was vending PMS at an inflated rate of N868 per liter.
Dan characterized this as a deliberate tactic by NNPCL to obstruct the refinery’s endeavors to offer affordable fuel and ensure domestic production, thereby perpetuating the cycle of fuel importation scandals that have plagued the nation for decades.
“The Coalition of Energy Reform Lawyers and Activists condemns the reprehensible conduct of NNPCL. It represents a mockery of the government’s commitment to addressing the energy challenges in the country,” Dan articulated.
The coalition accused NNPCL of importing substandard PMS from overseas, a practice they deemed fraudulent and counterproductive. They criticized NNPCL’s reluctance to permit local refineries to operate, contending that this continued dependence on imports benefits only a privileged few.
CERLA went on to denounce the Mele Kyari-led NNPCL as “a disgrace” and “an impediment to progress,” alleging that the corporation has consistently obstructed efforts to enhance Nigeria’s crude oil revenue and perpetuated a culture of deceit that has undermined the nation’s economy.
Expressing apprehension, the group highlighted NNPCL’s exclusive control over the off-take of PMS from Dangote Refinery, which, they argued, empowers the corporation to manipulate pricing and distribution.
The coalition accused NNPCL of endeavoring to deceive the public by circulating false claims that Dangote Refinery was retailing PMS at exorbitant rates, while failing to disclose that the refinery had procured crude oil in dollars due to prevailing market conditions.
“Clearly, NNPCL stands as a burden on the Nigerian populace. Its operations have been veiled in secrecy and lacking transparency. The advent of the Dangote refinery has unsettled the Mele Kyari-led NNPCL, thus prompting the recent efforts to impede its seamless commencement,” Dan declared.
CERLA urged NNPCL to halt what they termed a “defamation campaign” against Dangote Refinery, cautioning of potential legal repercussions against both the corporation and the federal government.
The group emphasized that Nigerians have endured substantial hardship due to the corruption and absence of transparency within NNPCL, demanding accountability and an end to the prevailing system of fuel importation and subsidy deceit.
“The crux of the matter lies in the absence of transparency and accountability in the affairs of NNPCL. Nigerians have borne the brunt of the Mele Kyari-led NNPCL for far too long. The time for change is now,” Dan concluded.
The coalition’s allegations surface amidst escalating public discontent over Nigeria’s fuel importation practices and the enduring failure to revitalize local refineries.
The Dangote Refinery, heralded as a pivotal stride towards resolving Nigeria’s energy crisis, has encountered delays in achieving full operational capacity. Nevertheless, CERLA maintains that NNPCL’s actions form part of a calculated effort tjo impede the refinery from prospering in its mission to diminish Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel.
As the controversy unfolds, all attention remains fixed on NNPCL and the federal government’s response to these grave accusations.
