Urgent demands have emerged for independent management at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other key oil and gas agencies. These calls follow allegations by Dangote Group Chairman, Aliko Dangote, who claimed that some NNPCL staff and traders are involved in operating a blending plant in Malta, where adulterated fuel is processed.
The Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria (CEFRAN) have called for a judicial inquiry to investigate these claims and address the alleged fraud in the importation of substandard fuel into Nigeria. CEFRAN Convener Obinna Francis criticized the leadership of NNPCL, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), demanding their resignation to facilitate an impartial investigation.
Francis highlighted concerns over Matrix Energy and its partners, accusing them of prioritizing profits over public health and safety by importing and distributing inferior fuel. He urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene by establishing an independent management team for NNPCL to ensure thorough accountability and justice in the scandal.