The Federal Government of Nigeria has revealed that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, with a massive daily capacity of 650,000 barrels, is on the verge of being granted a fully valid operating license. This disclosure was made during the Stakeholders’ Consultation Forum on Midstream and Petroleum Host Community Development Trust Regulations, which was organized by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) on Tuesday in Abuja.
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At this forum, it was clarified by the NMDPRA that while a pre-commissioning license had previously been awarded to the $20 billion refinery, the issuance of a comprehensive and valid operating license is imminent.
The Dangote refinery was formally inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2023 and commenced the distribution of Automotive Gas Oil (commonly known as diesel) to the domestic market in April of this year. However, the refinery is yet to commence the distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (popularly called petrol).
During the forum held in Abuja on Tuesday, the Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, conveyed to industry stakeholders that the regulatory authority is in the process of promptly issuing a fully valid operating license to the Dangote refinery.
Ahmed, represented by Ogbugo Ukoha, the Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure at NMDPRA, emphasized that presently, only three refineries across Nigeria hold valid operating licenses.
“We have issued valid licenses to three refineries. We awarded a license to Dangote refinery even during its pre-commissioning stage, and soon they will receive full commission and a valid license to operate,” stated Ukoha during the forum.
The impending issuance of a valid operating license to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery signifies a significant step forward in Nigeria’s petroleum industry and is expected to further bolster the nation’s refining capacity, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, and contribute to the overall growth and stability of the economy.
The news has been received with anticipation and enthusiasm by industry players and stakeholders, who eagerly await the formal completion of regulatory processes leading to the grant of this crucial operating license to the Dangote refinery.