Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has called on the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to take decisive action against holders of inactive refinery licenses.
Speaking on Tuesday, Dangote urged the NMDPRA to either revoke these licenses or impose annual penalties to compel license holders to construct refineries or surrender their permits.
Dangote emphasized that the NMDPRA and the government have a responsibility to encourage refinery development in Nigeria.
He said, “I think encouraging other people to build refineries is the job of the NMDPRA and also the government. So, NMDPRA, I rely on your leadership to make sure we encourage those people who have collected licenses to work with you.
“And I believe anybody who collected these licenses from you, either you cancel them or you put a penalty on a yearly basis so that they will return the license or they will build those refineries.”
The call comes amid ongoing efforts to boost Nigeria’s refining capacity and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products. Dangote’s remarks highlight concerns over delays in operationalising licensed refineries, which could hinder the country’s energy security goals.
