The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has denied claims that it has stopped importing refined petroleum products, following a recent media report suggesting that NNPC is now solely sourcing fuel from domestic refineries such as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The report, which attributed statements to NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari, was labelled by NNPC as a “misrepresentation and misinterpretation of facts.”
In a statement released by Femi Soneye, NNPC’s chief corporate communications officer, NNPC clarified that while Kyari’s comments were reported accurately in parts, the interpretation that NNPC had fully ceased fuel imports was inaccurate. According to Soneye, “Your report quotes the GCEO’s words accurately in parts, but the interpretations added are factually inaccurate, creating a narrative far removed from the reality.”
The Source of the Misunderstanding
The misinterpretation stemmed from a statement Kyari made during the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) conference, where he reportedly said, “Today, NNPC does not import any product; we are only taking from domestic refineries.” While this statement was part of a broader conversation about NNPC’s sourcing strategy, Soneye noted that it was not intended to imply an end to imports. Instead, he clarified that NNPC prioritises local procurement when it is economically viable but does not have an exclusive mandate to source only from local refineries.
NNPC’s Position on Fuel Imports
Soneye reiterated that NNPC’s decision to procure refined products is driven by economic considerations. “NNPC Ltd. will choose local supply when cost-effective,” he said, explaining that other fuel marketers also factor in cost when deciding between local and imported sources. This approach, Soneye emphasised, is aligned with Nigeria’s goal of energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness but does not imply a mandate to abandon imports altogether.
Furthermore, he noted that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) assigns the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) the authority to issue import licences, not NNPC. Under the PIA, NNPC’s market share is capped at 30%, which promotes a competitive landscape, allowing other players to balance supply sources between local production and imports.
Protecting Public Trust and Promoting Accurate Reporting
NNPC expressed concern over the implications of misleading reports, particularly on issues as significant as energy security. “Misleading narratives undermine public trust and your publication’s integrity,” Soneye stated, urging media outlets to verify information on critical national issues. He encouraged journalists to seek clarification on complex topics to maintain accuracy and public confidence.
Soneye also acknowledged the publication’s accurate reporting of NNPC’s investments in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure, an initiative aimed at improving Nigeria’s energy security. This investment reflects NNPC’s ongoing commitment to diversifying its energy portfolio and reducing reliance on traditional fuels.
Moving Forward: The Road to Energy Security
While NNPC continues to focus on boosting domestic refining through its partnerships with local refineries, it has not established any binding commitment to buy exclusively from these sources. As Nigeria navigates its energy landscape, with priorities on reducing import dependency and ensuring cost-efficient fuel supply, NNPC’s procurement strategy remains adaptable. With the Dangote Refinery now operational and other local refineries coming online, NNPC and other fuel marketers have greater flexibility to source domestically. However, imports will remain a critical component of Nigeria’s supply chain for the foreseeable future.
NNPC’s clarifications highlight the complexities of the country’s energy policies and the need for careful media interpretation. As Nigeria continues its path toward energy independence, the interplay between local production, regulatory frameworks, and strategic imports will be key to sustaining stable, affordable energy supplies for the nation.
