Kyari Debunks Sabotage Claims, Highlights NNPC’s Vision for Local Refineries, Energy Security

The Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has refuted claims that NNPC is undermining local refineries, reaffirming the company’s commitment to boosting Nigeria’s energy security and sustainable growth.

Kyari made this statement on Monday during the 42nd Annual International Conference of the Nigeria Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) in Lagos, themed “Resolving the Nigeria Energy Trilemma: Energy Security, Sustainable Growth, and Affordability.”

Addressing recent controversies involving Dangote Refinery, Kyari stressed, “NNPC Ltd. is part-owner of the Dangote Refinery, and our investment is a strategic move to strengthen domestic fuel supply.”

He added that the company no longer imports refined petroleum products, sourcing fuel instead from local refineries, including Dangote’s.

This clarification follows a statement by Dangote, who disclosed that while NNPC had initially planned to take a 20% stake in the refinery, it now holds a reduced 7.2% stake due to a revised $2.79 billion agreement.

“They’ve made a big mistake, but that’s where we are now,” Dangote remarked on the renegotiated terms.

Kyari underscored NNPC’s efforts to work with private refineries to secure affordable fuel for Nigerians, stabilize the naira through local transactions, and foster partnerships aimed at expanding infrastructure like the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) and Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) gas pipelines.

Additionally, NNPC is poised to launch CNG mother stations, mini-LNG plants, and more CNG outlets to increase gas supply for the domestic market.

“Our mandate, as stewards of Nigeria’s energy future, includes ensuring energy that is secure, sustainable, and affordable for all,” Kyari stated, highlighting ongoing projects to build Nigeria’s energy independence and reduce forex pressure on fuel imports.

As part of this effort, Kyari credited President Tinubu’s support for local refining as essential for achieving Nigeria’s energy goals and emphasised that the “energy trilemma” can be resolved through bold ideas, shared innovation, and national determination.