NNPCL, Marketers To End Petrol Imports

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and major oil marketers are locked in talks over strategies to cease importation of petrol into the country.

There will also be a focus on increasing reliance on off-taking from the Dangote Refinery.

This was part of the agenda at a meeting organised by the NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

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In attendance were representatives of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, and key stakeholders from companies such as 11 Plc, Matrix, and AA Rano, among other stakeholders at the NNPCL towers during the week in Abuja.

The meeting was in growing confidence of Dangote Refinery’s ability to meet the nation’s domestic fuel demand and the need to cut fuel imports.

One of the major marketers who attended the meeting confirmed to our correspondents on Saturday that the discussion was still ongoing on the plan.

The source said some stakeholders needed to be carried along in the discussion before an agreement could be consummated.

He said, “To the best of my knowledge, that discussion has not been concluded. The information in circulation was leaked. Until the issue has been discussed and everyone has agreed, we can announce it.

“Some stakeholders were not at the meeting but had to be carried along. So, until all of them have agreed to the communique then we have a deal.

“Yes, the meeting took place but there were some points highlighted and agreed upon, so we have to make sure everything is in sync. There are issues to be agreed with all the local refineries. So, once they agree with the terms, then we would come back to the table and finalise the discussion.”