Suffering Will Continue in Nigerian if Only NNPC Buys Fuel from Dangote Refinery – Reps

The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to instruct the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (NNPCL) to grant independent marketers access to lift fuel from the Dangote Refinery, warning that continued monopoly could worsen fuel scarcity and exacerbate economic challenges.

This resolution was reached following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Oboku Oforji (PDP/Bayelsa) during Thursday’s plenary session.

Oforji noted that while the Dangote Refinery, which began operations on September 15, with a daily production capacity of 650,000 barrels, had commenced supplying fuel, only major marketers had been allowed by NNPCL to lift products from the refinery.

Expressing concern, Oforji highlighted that NNPCL’s and major marketers’ exclusive access to the refinery’s output was fostering a monopoly that could negatively impact the nation.

“This is the same NNPCL that has mismanaged our crude oil and refineries for decades,” he stated. “If this monopoly is not addressed, the suffering of Nigerians caused by fuel scarcity will persist, with significant economic consequences.”

The lawmaker emphasized that excluding independent marketers from accessing the refinery’s output could lead them to seek fuel imports, putting additional pressure on their businesses. He pointed out that representatives of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) had expressed fears over this issue.

While praising the Dangote Group for its role in Nigeria’s energy sector, Oforji acknowledged that the commencement of refining operations marked a potential turning point for the country’s quest for energy self-sufficiency.

He further stressed that this development could lead to cost savings, foreign exchange conservation, and greater value addition to Nigeria’s economy, especially through the export of refined products.

“With the high demand for fuel across the country, it is crucial that NNPCL allows independent marketers to lift products from the Dangote Refinery,” Oforji said. “Failure to curb the current monopoly will only deepen the hardships Nigerians face due to fuel scarcity, with disastrous consequences for the economy.”

In addition to urging NNPCL to open up access, the House also recommended that the management of Dangote Refinery consider building or partnering with stakeholders to establish fuel depots across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. This, they argued, would facilitate smoother fuel distribution nationwide.