CERLA Accuses NNPCL of Undermining Dangote Refinery
The Coalition of Energy Reforms Lawyers and Activists (CERLA) has raised serious allegations against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), accusing the organization of attempting to sabotage the operations of Dangote Refinery. According to the group, this effort is part of a larger campaign to undermine local refineries and perpetuate corruption in Nigeria’s energy sector.
False Claims About Dangote Refinery’s PMS Pricing
Speaking at a press conference, CERLA spokesperson Okwa Dan claimed that NNPCL has been spreading misinformation, alleging that Dangote Refinery was selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at N868 per liter. Dan condemned these statements as a calculated attempt to hinder the refinery’s operations, which are aimed at addressing Nigeria’s ongoing energy challenges.
Alleged Corruption and Favoritism in NNPCL’s Crude Oil Management
CERLA further criticized NNPCL for its lack of transparency and accountability, particularly in its management of crude oil. The coalition accused NNPCL of favoring the importation of substandard PMS from overseas markets, such as Malta, instead of supporting local production. This, according to CERLA, only serves the interests of a few individuals involved in fraudulent schemes, to the detriment of Nigeria’s energy sustainability.
Dan remarked, “The NNPCL has perpetuated a regime of astronomical fraud that has brought the country to its knees over the years,” adding that the organization has been a major obstacle in the country’s efforts to improve revenue from crude oil sales.
Opposition to Local Refineries
CERLA expressed confusion over NNPCL’s alleged discomfort with the smooth operation of Dangote Refinery, an indigenous entity that has made significant investments to meet Nigeria’s PMS needs. The coalition claimed that NNPCL’s preference for importing PMS is part of a broader strategy to undermine local refineries, including Dangote’s, in order to continue benefiting from fuel subsidy fraud.
READ ALSO:
FG gives Benue N3 billion for disaster management
We Will Resist Suswam’s Attempt to Sell PDP to Alia – Groups
Meet 4 Governor Alia’s most powerful Appointees
“The actions of the NNPCL imply a subtle attempt to create the impression that importing PMS is cheaper than local production,” said Dan, emphasizing that this narrative was misleading and harmful to the country.
Accusations of Ongoing Fraud in PMS Distribution
CERLA also raised concerns about NNPCL’s exclusive role as the off-taker for PMS from the Dangote Refinery, implying that this arrangement could lead to further manipulation of pricing and distribution. The coalition suggested that NNPCL’s recent false statement about Dangote’s PMS pricing was part of a larger agenda to perpetuate fraud in the sector.
Call for Legal Action and Transparency
In response to these allegations, CERLA warned that it would consider legal action against NNPCL and the federal government if the alleged slander campaign against Dangote Refinery did not stop. The coalition called on NNPCL to halt its attacks and adopt a more transparent approach to its operations.
“The elephant in the room is the lack of transparency and accountability in the affairs of NNPCL,” Dan stated. “Nigerians have suffered enough under the Mele Kyari-led NNPCL. Enough is enough.”
CERLA’s accusations highlight longstanding issues of corruption and mismanagement within Nigeria’s energy sector. The coalition’s call for accountability signals growing pressure on NNPCL to reform its practices and support local refineries, such as Dangote’s, in order to address Nigeria’s persistent fuel challenges.
