Energy expert Dan Kunle has raised concerns over the continued importation of petrol and diesel by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and select marketers, despite the operational capacity of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to meet local demand.
According to recent reports, NNPCL and oil marketers spent N5.5 trillion on petrol and diesel imports within just four months, sparking debates over Nigeria’s energy security and economic strategy.
Calls to End Massive Fuel Imports
Speaking on Arise TV on Sunday, Kunle compared the large-scale fuel importation to the infamous ‘Cement Armada’ scandal of the 1970s, when an excessive influx of cement-laden ships caused severe congestion at Nigerian ports.
He criticized the failure of government agencies to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive and the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) decision to allocate local crude oil to domestic refineries.
He said: “I was expecting a transition following the Federal Executive Council’s decision in October 2024 to allocate local crude to domestic refineries, with Dangote Refinery being the key player due to its technical capacity. However, the situation hasn’t changed, and we’re still seeing a massive influx of imported fuel.”
Dangote Refinery Can Meet Domestic Demand
Kunle questioned the rationale behind continued fuel imports when Dangote Refinery is operational, refining 550,000 barrels per day (bpd) and producing high-quality petroleum products.
“This importation is completely unnecessary. It’s time to urge the president to act and end this petrol import racket once and for all.”
Highlighting the importance of energy security, Kunle argued that maintaining a reliance on imports contradicts global best practices. He noted that countries like the United States prioritize local refining to protect domestic industries and drive economic growth.
Need for a Transition Roadmap
He urged President Tinubu to demand a transition timetable from the relevant authorities, outlining Nigeria’s shift from an importer of refined petroleum products to a net exporter.
“The Dangote Refinery is a national strategic asset. There’s no need for a court case. The federal government should step in. We don’t need a legal battle; the government should ask the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for a transition timetable to move us from importing petrol to self-sufficiency.”
Kunle warned that failing to support local refining efforts could deter future investments, weaken Nigeria’s energy independence, and sustain economic losses.
Towards Self-Sufficiency in Refined Products
With the revival of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, along with Dangote Refinery’s capacity, Nigeria is positioned to reduce reliance on imported petroleum products and transition into a leading petroleum refining hub in Africa.
This development aligns with Nigeria’s long-term energy strategy, which aims to improve fuel availability, create jobs, and boost the economy while reducing dependence on foreign markets.