The Dangote Refinery, an ambitious project by Africa’s wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote, has found itself engulfed in a whirlwind of controversy, pitting Dangote against the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
This recent dispute, marked by safety concerns, incomplete construction, and financial woes, has left many questioning the ethics, quality, and viability of Africa’s largest refinery.
Sources close to the situation reveal that Aliko Dangote is seeking the elusive license to commence operations, the final crucial step before production can begin at the refinery.
However, the NNPC, Nigeria’s regulatory body, has balked at granting the license due to legitimate safety concerns, chiefly stemming from the incomplete status of the facility.
Also, Dangote’s bid to purchase crude oil from the NNPC was met with a firm denial, citing the refinery’s incomplete status as a deterrent. This has sparked allegations that Dangote may be considering unconventional methods, such as sourcing Nigeria’s crude through trading houses, which could be viewed as circumventing established procedures.
Even if Dangote manages to secure the necessary crude oil, concerns regarding safety and product quality persist. Workers within the Dangote Group, as well as contractors and some NNPC officials, have voiced apprehensions about commencing refinery operations prematurely.
The current state of the refinery only allows for the initial phase of crude distillation, a process akin to operations found in illegal refineries within the Niger Delta region. The unfinished catalytic cracking unit further amplifies worries about the quality of refined products.
Amid these concerns, it appears that Dangote’s motivations may be driven by financial pressures. Reports suggest that the Dangote Group is grappling with substantial debt, potentially jeopardizing the company’s stability if it fails to secure additional funds for loan repayments by December. This financial strain could be the driving force behind Dangote’s eagerness to obtain the operating license, even without the refinery being fully ready.
Recalling events from earlier this year, the uncompleted refinery was hastily commissioned by former President Buhari. This move aimed to grant Dangote access to additional equity funding from the Nigerian Government and secure a crude oil allocation of 300,000 barrels per day. This allocation was intended to be sold to raise funds for creditors and aid in completing the refinery.
However, when the new administration of President Tinubu took office, it was discovered that the refinery was far from completion, raising suspicions that it was falsely commissioned to secure the crude allocation for export.
The ongoing standoff between Aliko Dangote and the NNPC illuminates broader issues surrounding safety, quality, and financial stability plaguing the Dangote Refinery project.
