In the ongoing faceoff between Dangote and the regulators of the oil and gas sector, Nigeria’s petroleum product imports from Malta increased dramatically by 342 percent in 2023, reaching $2.08 billion. This report comes amid allegations by Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, claiming that officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) own blending plants in Malta.
Import Statistics
Trade Map reports indicate that Nigeria imported petroleum oils derived from bituminous minerals worth $2.8 billion in 2023. This represents a significant increase of 342 percent from $47.5 million in 2013.
Allegations and Denials
Amid the controversy surrounding his $20 billion refinery, Dangote alleged, “Some of the terminals, some of the NNPC people, and some traders have opened blending plants somewhere off Malta. We all know these areas. We know what they are doing.” However, Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, has denied owning any blending plants outside Nigeria.
Regulatory and Market Disputes
Further insights from the National Bureau of Statistics data for the third quarter of 2023 reveal that Malta is one of Nigeria’s top five import destinations. The tensions intensified after Dangote announced that his refinery would start supplying petrol to the Nigerian market in August 2024. Dangote urged regulators to cease importing and direct marketers to his refinery. In response, the CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) criticized the Dangote refinery and its products, exacerbating the conflict.
Public and Political Reactions
Nigerians have reacted strongly to the comments made by the NMDPRA Boss, with calls for his removal from office. Lawyers are also urging the House of Representatives to suspend key officials of the NNPC and NMDPRA as the Senate conducts ongoing investigations into the oil and gas sector. The Senate has announced plans to investigate the sector thoroughly and address corruption, summoning key officials and organizations for questioning.
