Energy: Expert urges Tinubu to end ‘petrol import racket’, prioritise local oil-refining

*Energy expert Dan Kunle urges Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demand ‘a transition timetable’ from the relevant authorities in the downstream petroleum sector, outlining when the country will shift from being an importer of refined products to a net exporter in the energy industry

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

Energy expert Dan Kunle has said the continued importation of petrol and diesel by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and certain marketers into the country, despite the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s capacity to meet domestic demand, is a disservice to the country.

Recent reports indicate that NNPC Limited and fuel marketers spent N5.5 trillion on importation of petrol and diesel in four months.

Kunle, however, while speaking on a programme on Arise TV Sunday, February 9, 2025, likened the current massive importation of petrol and diesel by NNPCL and some marketers over the past months to the notorious ‘cement Armada’—a scandal from the 1970s.

It was during Nigeria’s oil boom, when hundreds of cement-laden ships flooded the ports, causing years of congestion.

The energy expert also expressed his disappointment that, despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive and the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) decision to allocate local crude oil to domestic refineries, relevant government agencies are blatantly disregarding these directives with no consequences.

He further averred: “I was expecting a transition, following the Federal Executive Council’s decision in October 2024 to allocate local crude to domestic refineries, with Dangote Refinery being the key player due to its technical capacity.

“However, the situation hasn’t changed, and we’re still seeing a massive influx of imported fuel. It’s still a full import Armada, similar to the cement Armada.”

Kunle said: “The level of imports we’re witnessing is unprecedented, raising serious concerns about what’s really going on.

“Is it an attempt to flood the market, introduce substandard fuel into Nigeria, and possibly frustrate Dangote Refinery?”

The expert equally submitted: “The mistake here is that Dangote Refinery is operational, already refining 550,000 bpd and producing high-quality products.

“This importation is completely unnecessary. It’s time to urge the president to act and end this petrol import racket once and for all.”

Kunle stressed that the situation defies logic for certain individuals to continue pushing for imports, especially when countries like the United States (US) are protecting domestic industries to boost their own economies.

He added that the Dangote Refinery could ensure energy security, something the regulatory authorities have neglected for years.

The expert urged President Tinubu to demand a transition timetable from the relevant authorities outlining when Nigeria will shift from being an importer of refined products to a net exporter.

Stressing that Dangote Refinery is a strategic national asset, Kunle urged the government to remove obstacles to its smooth operation.

“The Dangote Refinery is a national strategic asset. There’s no need for a court case.

“The Federal Government should step in. We don’t need a legal battle; the government should ask NMDPRA for a transition timetable to move us from importing petrol to self-sufficiency,” stated he.

Kunle noted: “If the President stays aloof, it will harm the country.

“No new investments will come if you treat an investment like Dangote’s as an enemy. The importers are the true enemies.”

According to him, with Dangote Refinery’s capacity and the reported revival of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, Nigeria should be transitioning from reliance on oil imports to becoming a net exporter of refined petroleum products.