Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general elections, has expressed concern over the ongoing disagreement between the Dangote Refinery management and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The controversy began when the NMDPRA, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Farouk Ahmed, alleged that petroleum products from the Dangote Refinery were sub-standard. This claim was strongly refuted by the refinery’s management.
Addressing the issue via his X handle, Kwankwaso blamed the situation on vested interests, warning that such disputes could harm investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding significant investments like the Dangote Refinery to maintain economic stability and confidence.
“The creation of unnecessary fuss around its integrity by some vested interests is very unfortunate, and it stands to undo all the years of hard work to maintain the fragile investor confidence in our economy,” Kwankwaso stated.
Kwankwaso highlighted the refinery’s critical role in meeting the nation’s energy needs and ensuring economic stability. “This 650,000 bpd refinery is essential for our energy needs and economic stability, and it must be protected from all forms of threat,” he said.
Recounting his visit to the Dangote Refinery, Kwankwaso praised the commitment and quality of the project. “I was privileged to visit the magnificent Dangote Refinery, and I was marvelled by the sheer commitment that went into the quality of its establishment,” he noted.
Kwankwaso called for national support for the refinery, urging the Nigerian government to demonstrate fairness and confidence in both domestic and foreign critical investments. “It’s time for us to rally around this National Asset to ensure that the monumental project does not fail. It cannot fail, and the Nigerian government must understand this by demonstrating fairness and confidence in both domestic and foreign critical investments,” he asserted.