See why Aliko Dangote is correct on refinery fuel quality testing, confirms date Nigerians will buy

• A new document has verified the Dangote Refinery have the capacity to test its products to meet international standards
• The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority had previously described the refinery products as inferior
• The refinery is scheduled to begin commercial fuel sales in August, and Nigerians are expecting impact on pump prices

Legit.ng journalist Dave Ibemere has over a decade of business journalism experience with in-depth knowledge of the Nigerian economy, stocks, and general market trends.

A document seems to have validated Aliko Dangote's claims regarding the quality of fuel produced by the Dangote Refinery.

Dangote Refinery letter shows refinery fuel quality passed the test Photo credit: Jason Alden/Bloomberg
Source: Getty Images

On July 18, Farouk Ahmed, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), stated that local refineries, including the Dangote refinery, were producing substandard products compared to imports.

Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest man, has disputed this claim, asserting that the petroleum products from his refinery meet the required standards and have been validated through testing at the refinery’s laboratories.

Document shows Dangote is correct

A letter reviewed by THISDAY reveals that the regulatory authority has granted approval for Dangote refinery in-house laboratory to test crude oil products.

The NMDPRA confirmed in the letter dated March 28, 2024, that the facility meets the necessary standards for equipment and personnel required to conduct in-house Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) for petroleum and its products.

Part of the letter reads:

“Reference is made to the inspection exercises carried out on your laboratory facility by the officers of the Authority on 19 October 2023, 19 December 2023 & 1 9— 22 March 2024 respectively.“The report of the inspections revealed that your laboratory has satisfied the minimum requirement in terms of equipment and personnel to render an in-house Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) of petroleum/petroleum products.“Consequently, an interim accreditation (Phase l) is granted to your laboratory on the condition that the accreditation covers analyses of Crude Oil, LPG, Naphtha, Gasoline, HHK/ATF, and AGO only) handled/produced in your refinery."

Dangote confirms date for refinery

Meanwile, Dangote has announced that petrol will be ready at the refinery refinery between 10th and 12th August 2024 for Nigerians to buy.

Dangote explained that the July schedule was missed due to a fire incident at the refinery, which delayed production.

Dangote said:

By the grace of God, Premium Motor Spirit was supposed to be available this July, but the fire incidents disrupted us for a few days. However, by the latest, the 10th or 12th of August, PMS will be ready."

Dangote speaks on the future of his proposed steel company

Legit.ng earlier reported that Aliko Dangote, president of the Dangote Group, had said the group would no longer invest in Nigeria’s steel industry to avoid the monopoly label.

The Nigerian billionaire disclosed this on Saturday, July 20, 2024, stating that the allegations of trying to monopolize businesses in Nigeria have become a significant discouragement.

Source: Legit.ng