As the blame game continues between NNPCL and Dangote PLC on the later refinery, the Dangote Group released another press statement to clarify certain issues, the full statement reads:

CLARIFICATION ON CRUDE SUPPLY

Our attention has been drawn to media reports alleging that the Dangote Refinery has backtracked by acknowledging that NNPC supplied about 60% of the 50 million barrels we lifted. 

To clarify, we have never accused NNPC of not supplying us with crude. Our concern has always been that NUPRC is pushing but IOCs are not following the instructions to enforce the domestic crude supply obligation and ensure that we receive our full crude requirement from NNPC and the IOCs. 

For September, our requirement is 15 cargoes, of which NNPC allocated six. Despite appealing to NUPRC and their intervention, we’ve been unable to secure the remaining cargoes. When we approached IOCs producing in Nigeria, they redirected us to their international trading arms or responded that their cargoes were committed. 

Consequently, we often purchase the same Nigerian crude from international traders at an additional $3-$4 premium per barrel which translates to $3-$4 million per cargo. We, therefore still insist that we are unable to secure our full crude requirement from domestic production and urge NUPRC to fully enforce the domestic crude supply obligation as mandated by the PIA. It is a law and they just need to comply. 

Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief, Branding and Communications Officer.