Additionally, it cautioned Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited that deregulation should not serve as a rationale for importing substandard petroleum products or compromising Nigeria's national interests.
This statement was made in reaction to remarks from Robert Dickerman, CEO of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, who refuted allegations of blending inferior petroleum products.
In the statement, the refinery said, “At Dangote Petroleum Refinery, we are committed to ensuring that Nigeria becomes self-reliant in petroleum production, and we welcome competition that drives innovation and quality.
“However, we will never allow the continued importation and blending of petroleum products, nor the deliberate destruction of our national economy. We believe that a strong, self-sufficient energy sector is vital to Nigeria’s economic growth, and we will continue to advocate for policies and practices that protect our industries and the well-being of all Nigerians,” it said.
Dangote Refinery reaffirmed its unwavering support for deregulation and industrialization. This support stems from our unwavering commitment to the sustainable growth of the nation’s economy and the safeguarding of our citizens from exploitation.
Added that its firmly believe that the health and safety of Nigerians should never be compromised in the pursuit of financial gain.
“The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Company has long been an advocate for deregulation and industrialisation in Nigeria, but our support is rooted in a commitment to the sustainable growth of the country’s economy and the protection of its people from any exploitation. Unlike Dickerman’s view, deregulation should not be a licence for the importation and distribution of off-spec products or the subversion of national interests,” it said.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery respectfully urges the government, patriotic citizens, and local enterprises to maintain their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and economic autonomy.
“The choice we face is between fostering industrialisation or allowing Nigeria to remain a dumping ground for inferior products while exporting jobs. For nearly three decades, cartels and their collaborators have sabotaged efforts to develop Nigeria’s refining capacity, keeping the country dependent on imported products. The time has come to end this cycle of exploitation and ensure that Nigeria’s energy sector works for the benefit of its people,” it added.