In a move to address the ongoing disputes surrounding the Dangote Refinery, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) in Nigeria, Heineken Lokpobiri, met with Aliko Dangote, Chairman and CEO of Dangote Group, and other key stakeholders on Monday, July 22, 2024.
The meeting, held in response to recent tensions over the refinery located in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, included high-ranking officials from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
The dispute escalated when the NMDPRA announced that the government had not yet licensed the refinery to commence operations. The meeting aimed to find a sustainable and lasting solution to this impasse, with all parties showing a commitment to collaborative problem-solving.
According to a statement by Nneamaka Okafor, Special Adviser Media and Communication to the minister, attendees expressed gratitude for the minister’s leadership in addressing the issue. The statement highlighted the importance of cooperation among stakeholders to ensure the oil and gas sector’s success, which is crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth and energy security.
“This meeting marks a significant step towards resolving the challenges and underscores the Minister’s dedication to fostering a conducive environment for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector,” Okafor said.
