Contrary to the misconceptions that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) is sabotaging dangote and other local refineries in Nigeria, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the NNPC Ltd, Mele Kyari has iterated that the company is not sabotaging them.
He spoke on Monday at the opening ceremony of the 42nd Nigeria Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) Annual International Conference and Exhibition with the theme: “Resolving the Nigeria Energy Trilemma: Energy Security, Sustainable Growth and Affordability” held in Lagos.
Kyari, in a statement by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the company, Olufemi Soneye, clarified that NNPC Ltd is part-owners of the Dangote Refinery, stressing that such investment is a strategic move aimed at strengthening domestic fuel supply.
He said, the national oil company is set to collaborate with private refineries to ensure affordable and sustainable petroleum products supply; Naira-for-crude transactions in order to stabilize the local currency and regulate forex markets.
This, he added, will bring about expansion of gas infrastructure such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline and the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Gas Pipelines projects and the development of cleaner energy options, such as Liquiefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
“Currently, NNPC Ltd supplies over 1.6 billion standard cubic feet (bscf) of gas per day to the domestic market through infrastructure we either own outright or operate with partners. This distribution network is entirely managed on NNPC Ltd.’s balance sheet,” Kyari added.
He expressed the company’s commitment to resolving Nigeria’s energy trilemma, by ensuring energy security, sustainable growth and energy affordability.
“The energy trilemma is a profound responsibility we shoulder as stewards of Nigeria’s energy future. NNPC Ltd is working tirelessly to improve our supply chain, develop new refining capacities and expand our retail network,” Kyari stated.
The GCEO, who was Special Guest of Honour at the occasion, also said the company has perfected plans to deliver 12 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Stations and Mini LNG Plants soon, as part of efforts to boost the existing 1.6bscf of gas supply for domestic market.
Explaining that the Company is expanding its efforts to enhance domestic energy access, the NNPC Ltd helmsman said the next 3-6 months will see significant project launches, including CNG mother stations, mini-LNG plants, and additional CNG daughter stations.
Kyari, who commended President Tinubu’s efforts to relieve forex pressures by reducing fuel imports and strengthening Nigeria’s local refining capacity, emphasized the need for collaboration, innovation, and technology in achieving Nigeria’s energy goals.
“Resolving the energy trilemma requires bold ideas, shared knowledge, and collective determination. Together, let us build a Nigeria where energy is secure, sustainable, and affordable for all.”
On NNPC Ltd’s mandate to guarantee energy security as stipulated by the Petroleum Industry Act, Kyari said the Company has fostered partnerships and investments aimed at enhancing local production and generating revenue for economic diversification.
