CITIZENS COMPASS –The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has given fresh updates about the Dangote refinery which is yet to commence operations despite the Billions of Naira that was sunk into it.

The Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, who gave the revelation, advised Nigerians not to rely on products from the refinery.until it is completed.

He was speaking with journalists at the State House, Abuja on Thursday.

According to him, the quality of the refinery’s  products was inferior compared with the imported products though he denied claims that the agency was trying to scuttle Dangote’s efforts.

Among other things, he said of the refinery “It hasn’t been licensed yet.

“I think we have about 45% completion. We cannot rely heavily on one refinery to feed the nation because Dangote is requesting that we suspend or stop imports, especially of AGO and DPK, and direct all marketers to his refinery.

“That is not good for the nation in terms of energy security, and it is not good for the market because of the monopoly.

“Dangote Refinery, along with other major refineries, produces between six hundred and fifty to one thousand two hundred parts per million (PPM). Therefore, in terms of quality, their products are inferior to imported ones,“ he said.

Recall that in May 2023, Former President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned the refinery located at the Lekki free zone, Lagos State.

It was expected to produce 650,000 barrels per day.

The pipeline infrastructure at the refinery is said to be the largest in the world with 1,100 kilometres to handle 3 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day.

Meanwhile, the statement by Farouk has generated mixed reactions from Nigerians.