NNPCL Ends Fuel Importation, Shifts to Dangote Refinery for Domestic Supply
By Okafor Joseph Afam
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) announced a major shift in its fuel supply strategy, confirming it has ceased the longstanding importation of refined petroleum products. Instead, the NNPCL now sources its fuel from domestic refineries, including the recently operational Dangote Petroleum Refinery. This transition marks a significant step toward self-sufficiency in Nigeria’s fuel industry.
NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, unveiled this development on Monday at the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists’ conference held in Lagos State. Kyari emphasized that NNPCL no longer imports fuel, relying exclusively on Nigerian refineries to meet the nation’s needs.
“Today, NNPC does not import any product; we are taking only from domestic refineries,” Kyari explained, as quoted by PUNCH Newspaper.
He elaborated on the strategic importance of this decision, highlighting NNPC’s partial ownership in the Dangote Refinery, which has the capacity to absorb a significant portion of Nigeria’s crude oil production. “We saw an opportunity in the market for at least 300,000 barrels of our production… As oil finds new global sources, it’s crucial to secure domestic markets,” he stated. Kyari added that the focus on Nigerian refineries, including Dangote’s, was a well-considered business move, reducing dependency on volatile international markets.
Kyari also touched on the uniqueness of Nigerian crude oil, describing it as ‘Lamborghini crude’ due to its high quality and subsequent premium pricing. He noted that while global dealers sometimes dilute crude with dirtier fuels to cut costs, NNPC aims to keep its product clean and valuable.
In a related development, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has secured an agreement with Dangote Group to directly lift refined products from the Dangote Refinery. IPMAN’s National President, Abubakar Garima, shared this news following a National Working Committee meeting, promising that the partnership will bring steady, affordable PMS supply nationwide.
This partnership between NNPCL, Dangote Refinery, and local marketers signals a new era in Nigeria’s energy sector, where domestic production and supply channels promise greater stability and self-reliance.
