Energy expert Dan Kunle has called on President Bola Tinubu to end the continued importation of petrol and diesel, insisting that Dangote Petroleum Refinery has the capacity to meet Nigeria’s fuel demand.
Speaking on Arise TV on Sunday, Kunle condemned the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and certain oil marketers for spending ₦5.5 trillion on fuel imports in just four months, despite the availability of local refining capacity.
‘Fuel Imports Like 1970s Cement Scandal’ – Kunle
Kunle likened the massive importation of petrol and diesel to the infamous ‘Cement Armada’ of the 1970s, when Nigeria’s ports were flooded with imported cement, causing severe congestion.
“I expected a transition after the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) decision in October 2024 to allocate local crude to domestic refineries, with Dangote Refinery as the key player due to its technical capacity.
But instead, we are still witnessing an import surge—an ‘import Armada.’ This raises serious concerns. Are they trying to flood the market with substandard fuel and frustrate Dangote Refinery?”
Government Must Enforce Energy Security
Kunle emphasized that it is illogical for Nigeria to continue importing refined products while other countries prioritize local industries for economic growth. He urged President Tinubu to take decisive action and demand a clear transition plan from the relevant regulatory agencies.
“Dangote Refinery is already refining 550,000 barrels per day, producing high-quality products. This importation is completely unnecessary. The government must intervene immediately.”
‘Dangote Refinery is a Strategic Asset’
Kunle also criticized regulatory delays and legal battles surrounding Dangote Refinery, arguing that government inaction could scare away investors.
“The Dangote Refinery is a strategic national asset. The federal government must step in instead of allowing unnecessary legal battles.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) should provide a transition timetable to move from import dependency to self-sufficiency. If the president remains passive, it will harm the country’s economy.”
With Dangote Refinery operational and the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries expected to resume production, Kunle stressed that Nigeria should be transitioning from importing refined products to becoming a net exporter of petroleum products.
