Resolve NNPCL, Dangote fuel pricing controversy now, CNPP urges FG

The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has expressed concern about the lingering controversy surrounding the pricing of petrol from the Dangote Refinery and the role of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), urging the Federal Government to resolve the logjam.

According to the CNPP, the apparent crisis has far-reaching implications for the economy, livelihoods, and democracy in Nigeria and Africa.

CNPP, in a statement by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Conference, James Ezema, made available in Kaduna on Monday, said “the recent revelation that NNPCL purchased fuel from Dangote Refinery at N898 per litre, contradicting earlier claims of N760 per litre, has sparked outrage.”

The group added: “This discrepancy raises questions about transparency, accountability, and the potential for exploitation of ordinary citizens. We urge the Federal Government to intervene immediately and ensure that the pricing of petrol from Dangote Refinery is fair, reflective of production costs, and aligned with global standards.

“The high pump price of petrol has a direct impact on the cost of living, exacerbating hunger and hardship among the masses. With fuel queues a common sight and prices tripling since the subsidy removal in May 2023, citizens are bearing the brunt of the inefficient energy policies of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.”

The CNPP therefore warned that “if this crisis is not addressed within the next seven days, it may lead to a national outcry, threatening democracy in Nigeria and Africa.”

According to Ezema, NNPCL’s interference in the distribution of locally refined petroleum products is nothing but national economic sabotage, in an effort to conceal information and prevent Dangote Refinery from directly selling its petroleum products to marketers. NNPCL constituting itself as a middleman in the distribution of locally refined products undermines the oil refining companies’ potential to provide relief to Nigerians. We demand that the Federal Government of Nigeria, through its company, the NNPCL, cease its meddling and allow Dangote Refinery to operate freely, ensuring competitive pricing and supply.

Meanwhile, the CNPP has called on the international community “to hold the Federal Government and NNPCL accountable for their actions if this crisis escalates and breeds anarchy that threatens democracy in Nigeria and Africa.”

Ezema continued: “The concealment of information and lack of transparency in NNPCL’s operations are unacceptable. For instance, NNPCL is said to be using crude oil for debt repayments, either on behalf of itself or on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria. But this has remained a secret or mere speculation.

“If it is true, did the National Assembly approve such extra-budgetary expenditures? What are the processes and procedures adopted by NNPCL leading to any agreement on loan repayment with our crude oil? Does NNPCL, under the Petroleum Industry Act, own Nigeria’s crude oil to decide what to do with it as it wishes? The CNPP strongly demands that the Federal Government categorically answer these questions as Nigerians deserve to know.”

The CNPP then demanded that President Tinubu officially direct that Dangote Refinery and other local refineries, as private businesses, operate without undue interference from NNPCL.

He said: “We also urge the Federal Government to immediately resolve the pricing controversy surrounding Dangote Refinery, ensure transparent and competitive pricing of petrol, allow Dangote Refinery and other local refineries to sell their products directly to petroleum marketers in Nigeria, address the high cost of living, alleviate hunger and hardship among the masses, and enforce the presidential directive on the adequate supply of crude oil for domestic consumption to Dangote Refinery and other local refineries in naira.”

The CNPP further warned that failure to address this crisis may lead to catastrophic consequences for democracy in Nigeria and Africa, as anarchy looms with the second phase of the End Bad Governance Protests slated for October 1, 2024.

“We will continue to stand in solidarity with the Nigerian people as we demand immediate action to avert a looming danger and save our democracy,” the group noted.