Dangote Refinery Saga: Olowu of Kuta Calls for Caution, Government Intervention Amidst Regulatory Challenges
By Matthew Eloyi
The Olowu of Kuta, Oba Adekunle Makama Oyelude, has issued a heartfelt statement urging the Nigerian government to support the Dangote Refinery amidst ongoing regulatory challenges.
The refinery, which is a major private investment aimed at reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products, has faced delays due to regulatory concerns.
In a heartfelt statement issued on Monday, the Olowu of Kuta expressed his unwavering pride in Nigeria and voiced concerns over the ongoing difficulties faced by the Dangote Refinery.
The traditional ruler, who has consistently advocated for national unity and development, highlighted the potential of the refinery to transform Nigeria’s economy and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products.
Oba Oyelude, who was honoured with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by former President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2023, emphasized the significance of the Dangote Refinery as a major private investment poised to save Nigeria substantial foreign exchange and create numerous jobs for Nigerian youths.
However, he expressed alarm over reports of delays in the refinery’s operations due to logistical issues and regulatory hurdles, including allegations concerning the quality of its diesel products.
The Olowu of Kuta called on the Nigerian government to support the refinery’s nationalist objectives and to ensure that unfriendly policies do not deter prospective investors.
He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to facilitate dialogue between Dangote Group and the Nigerian Mainstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to resolve the current impasse.
Oba Oyelude also called on Alhaji Aliko Dangote to comply with government regulations in the national interest.
Highlighting the critical role of the refinery in addressing Nigeria’s perennial fuel crisis, Oba Oyelude expressed optimism about the refinery’s anticipated contribution to the domestic market by August.
He called for an independent investigation to verify the quality of Dangote’s products following recent findings by the House of Representatives, which disputed claims of high sulfur levels in the refinery’s diesel.
The Olowu of Kuta concluded by stressing the importance of the refinery’s success for broader economic initiatives, including the revival of Nigeria’s steel industry. He appealed to President Tinubu to safeguard the refinery as a crucial national asset, underscoring its potential to elevate Nigeria’s economic standing on the global stage.