Victor EzejaThe Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Mele Kyari has said the company has not sabotaged any domestic refinery.
He said the national oil company has not breached any law guiding its dealings with partners, hence should be counted out of any claims of economic sabotage.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelKyari made the declaration while addressing the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee investigating alleged economic sabotage in the Nigeria Petroleum Industry at the National Assembly on Wednesday, 7 August.
The NNPCL GCEO stated that the refining business is a straightforward business which any investor should know before coming into the market.
“Refining business is a straightforward business. You must secure (a source for) your feedstock and you must find a market. This is basic and this determines what happens in any refinery anywhere in the world. That is the business of refining. We have done nothing to sabotage any domestic refinery,” Kyari stated.
According to Kyari, the law is very clear on domestic crude oil supply obligations and also on providing for local refineries.
He, however, clarified that the same law also stipulated that there must be a willing buyer and a willing seller.
Responding to comments on alleged importation of sub-standard products into the country, Kyari said the NNPCL has nothing to do with that as the relevant regulatory agencies will, by law, not allow any sub-standard product into the country.
The GCEO also supported calls for the Ad-hoc Committee to beam the interactive sessions live on national television to prevent misinforming Nigerians.
He explained that there is enough infrastructure to produce two million barrels of crude per day but the challenges of crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and absence of investment in the upstream are the major factors hindering the sector.
He said as a company owned by over 200 million Nigerians, NNPCL has grown from a loss-making position to a profit-making entity.
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Kyari stated that the NNPC Limited, its entire board, management, and staff remain loyal, faithful, and committed to Nigeria and will continue to act in accordance with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the Company & Allied Matters Act (CAMA), and other enabling laws and regulations governing the nation’s energy industry. Kyari also pledged full cooperation to the Committee in its efforts to unravel the allegations under investigation.
“We are faithful, loyal and committed to the progress and development of this country. It is our duty to protect the overall interest of this great nation. We are not in breach of any rules,” Kyari concluded.
The Kyari’s invitation to the Senate followed allegations of economic sabotage recently in the wake of face-off between Dangote Refinery Limited.
Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, had alleged that there were moves by regulatory authorities in the oil and gas industry to frustrate his refinery’s operations. The allegation set off a series of accusations and counter accusations between his company and the authorities including the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Development Authority (NMDPRA). Dangote had also claimed that some officials of NNPCL were involved in importing refined petroleum products from a blending plant in Malta.
Kyari subsequently denied being involved in such or knowing any official of the company engaged in such operation.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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