HOSTCOM backs Dangote refinery, slams govt on fuel import

The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas has thrown its support behind the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals and other domestic refineries in a bid to end Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products.

During a visit to the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Ibeju Lekki, HOSTCOM’s National President, Dr. Benjamin Tamaramiebi, emphasised the need for Nigeria to refine its crude locally.

“We HOSTCOM have come today to drum up support for Dangote Refinery. We will stand with Dangote to put an end to continuous importation of less quality and costly refined Petroleum Products into Nigeria,” he was quoted as saying in a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Saturday.

The group criticised the long-standing issues with government-owned refineries, which have been inactive for over two decades despite billions spent on maintenance.

HOSTCOM warned of monumental corruption in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, threatening to expose those responsible if necessary.

Furthermore, HOSTCOM called for the immediate dismissal of the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed.

The group accused Ahmed of being conflicted and incapable of performing the duties of a regulator for the downstream sector due to his past associations with downstream companies.

The group stated, “We therefore unequivocally call for the immediate sack of Farouk Ahmed. It is now clear that he as the CEO of NMDPRA is responsible for issuing import licenses to his cronies outside the government to continue to import Sub-standards Refined Petroleum Products into the Country.

“In hindsight, this is not surprising given that he has served on the boards of some downstream companies in the past. He is therefore obviously conflicted and incapable of performing the duties of a regulator for the downstream sector. It is important to immediately replace him with an individual who is not encumbered by such conflict.”

HOSTCOM also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to support the Dangote Refinery project, highlighting its potential to enhance the economy, create jobs, and ensure product sustainability and affordability.

“We called on President Bola Tinubu to support and sustain this refinery which is in his own state. He must do away with the cabals holding the oil sector to ransom,” the group added.

The organisation further criticised International Oil Companies for their reluctance to sell crude oil to local refineries, describing it as economic sabotage.

HOSTCOM warned of potential agitation for greater Autonomy and control of our resources if the situation persists.

“We call on Mr President to direct NNPC OR NNPCL to compel the IOCs operating in our communities to sell and supply Crude Oil to Dangote Refinery and other Local Refineries in line with section 109 of the Petroleum Industry Act PIA 2021 particularly section 109(4)(b) “the supply of crude oil shall be commercially negotiated between the lessee and the crude oil refining licensee, having regard to the prevailing international market price for similar grades of crude oil,” it added.

Meanwhile, the VP of Gas and Oil at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, explained that the refinery was designed to process various crude types due to insufficient Nigerian crude supplies.

He emphasised the refinery’s commitment to producing high-quality products that meet international standards and its dedication to environmental protection and local content development.