- The NMDPRA affirmed that no dirty fuels, particularly diesel, are imported into Nigeria, ensuring all petroleum imports meet specifications
- Despite allegations, NMDPRA maintains that imported fuels meet the 50 ppm sulphur content standard, promoting compliance and quality
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has affirmed that no dirty fuels, particularly diesel, are being imported into Nigeria. The authority emphasized that all petroleum imports meet current specifications.
Ogbugo Ukoha, Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure at NMDPRA, made this statement after a meeting with oil marketers and local refinery operators in Abuja. His comments responded to recent claims by the Dangote Refinery management, which accused the regulator of permitting the importation of “dirty fuels” despite the local refinery producing higher quality diesel.
Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), alleged that NMDPRA had been issuing import licenses indiscriminately, allowing the continued import of products, including diesel and aviation fuel. However, NMDPRA insists that only quality petroleum products are supplied and consumed in Nigeria.
The meeting included key industry figures such as Dapo Segun, Executive Vice President of Downstream at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie, Group Managing Director of Rain Oil Limited, and Rabiu Umar, Group Chief Commercial Officer of the Dangote Group.
Ukoha stated, “There is no dirty fuel we would allow into Nigeria. I have provided statistics for June showing that the average sulphur content in imports has significantly decreased, now far below the 50 ppm legal requirement.”
He explained that in 2020, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of State endorsed the Afri-5 fuel roadmap, which mandates a minimum 50 ppm sulphur content in certain products. Immediate enforcement was encouraged for imports, while local refineries were given until December 31, 2024, to comply.
Ukoha added, “Since the NMDPRA’s inception, we have promoted compliance. Despite a spike in sulphur content in December 2023 and January 2024, strong enforcement from February 1 has brought the average sulphur content in imported diesel well below the 50 ppm standard.”
Regarding local refineries, Ukoha noted, “Although the declaration deferred compliance for local refineries, new refineries are designed with desulphurisation units to reduce sulphur content to as low as 10 ppm shortly.”
This commitment by NMDPRA ensures that only high-quality fuels are used in Nigeria, maintaining the country’s environmental and public health standards.