The Coalition of Energy Reforms Lawyers and Activists (CERLA) has expressed serious concerns regarding an alleged scheme by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to undermine the operations of Dangote Refinery.
During a recent press conference, CERLA accused NNPCL of falsely claiming that Dangote Refinery was selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at ₦868 per litre. Okwa Dan, the coalition’s spokesperson, condemned this move, describing it as a deliberate attempt to frustrate Dangote Refinery and perpetuate corruption within Nigeria’s energy sector.
Dan criticized NNPCL for obstructing transparency in crude oil sales and distribution, labeling the organization’s actions as “fraudulent and counterproductive.” He also accused the Mele Kyari-led NNPCL of perpetuating a fuel subsidy scam that has kept Nigeria dependent on foreign PMS imports.
CERLA argues that NNPCL’s latest actions against Dangote Refinery, a wholly indigenous company, are part of a broader scheme to stifle local refineries. Dan questioned why NNPCL is the exclusive off-taker of PMS from Dangote Refinery, noting that the current crude stock is priced in dollars, which undermines NNPCL’s pricing claims.
The coalition has demanded that NNPCL cease its “slander campaign” against Dangote Refinery and has warned of potential legal action. CERLA urged the government to intervene and address these issues, stressing that Nigerians have suffered enough from NNPCL’s lack of transparency.