In a strategic shift aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s energy independence, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced the cessation of fuel imports valued at ₦24 trillion, sourcing its petroleum needs exclusively from domestic refineries, notably the Dangote Refinery. This development was revealed by Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, on Monday during the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) conference in Lagos. The event centers on the theme “Addressing the Nigerian Energy Trilemma: Energy Security, Sustainable Growth, and Affordability.”
Kyari stated, “Today, NNPC does not import any product, we are taking only from domestic refineries,” marking a critical milestone for Nigeria’s energy sector.
Addressing speculations regarding NNPCL’s alleged interference with the Dangote Refinery’s operations, Kyari dispelled the claims as baseless. “We are very proud part-owners of Dangote refinery. We identified an opportunity in the market for at least 300,000 barrels of our production. As global markets evolve, producers are competing to secure reliable markets for their crude. This decision allows us to ensure stability and leverage domestic refining capacity.”
He further clarified that this decision is driven by business pragmatism, not external pressures. “We were never forced into this. From day one, we understood the benefits of supplying crude to domestic refineries. No external pressure is needed for us to do this – we are already fully committed.”
Kyari also emphasized the premium nature of Nigeria’s “Lamborghini crude,” known for its high quality, which has long been sought in international markets for blending with heavier, dirtier crudes. “Global buyers seek Nigerian crude for blending, but we must prioritize local processing to maximize value. Our country produces some of the highest quality crude globally, and to fully benefit, we should refine it locally, whether for premium gasoline or other intermediary products for the market.”
He acknowledged that refining exclusively in Nigeria presents pricing challenges due to the high quality of domestic crude, particularly when compared to the requirements of local consumers. “There’s no need for premium ‘Lamborghini’ fuel for every use in Nigeria. We will make every effort to adapt to local needs and ensure access to domestically refined products at manageable prices.”
Kyari noted the ongoing collaboration between NNPCL and the federal government to address the pricing concerns that may arise from fully local sourcing. “The issue of pricing is being actively managed, with substantial progress made toward ensuring domestic pricing stability. This transition will significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on foreign imports while supporting a self-sustaining energy ecosystem.”
