Dangote’s Malta Allegation: Is Nigeria’s Petrol Import System Corrupt?

Is Nigeria’s petrol import system tainted by corruption and conflicts of interest? Recent allegations by Aliko Dangote have thrust the spotlight on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its officials. Data from Statisense and the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) appears to bolster Dangote’s claims, suggesting significant irregularities in Nigeria’s petrol imports from Malta.

Statisense and NBS Data

A Closer look at Data released by Statisense on Thursday, along with fuel import data from the NBS, reveals a dramatic increase in Nigeria’s petroleum products import from Malta. According to Statisense, imports from Malta surged by 342% in 2023, reaching $2.08 billion. This sharp rise is supported by the United Nations Comtrade database, which noted that Nigeria’s imports from Malta totaled $2.25 billion in the same period.

Further insights from the NBS data in the third quarter of 2023 show Malta as one of the top five import destinations for Nigeria, with imports valued at N561.37 billion. However, Malta did not feature in the top five import destinations in the first and second quarters of the year.

Dangote’s Allegations

Aliko Dangote has accused some NNPCL officials and oil traders of owning blending plants in Malta, from which they allegedly import substandard products into Nigeria. Dangote’s claims suggest a deliberate effort to undermine local refinery efforts and perpetuate Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel.

“Some of the terminals, some of the NNPC people, and some traders have opened blending plants somewhere off Malta. We all know these areas. We know what they are doing,” Dangote stated.

NNPCL’s Response

NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, has vehemently denied these allegations. Kyari insisted that neither he nor any NNPC employee owns or operates a blending plant in Malta or anywhere else.

“To clarify the allegations regarding the blending plant, I do not own or operate any business directly or by proxy anywhere in the world except a local mini Agric venture. Neither am I aware of any employee of the NNPC that owns or operates a blending plant in Malta or anywhere else in the world”

Kyari said through his official X account.

Calls for Accountability

In response to the controversy, several groups have called for the removal of key officials. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) demanded the sacking of Mele Kyari, citing his “incompetence and ineptitude” in handling the Dangote Refinery and alleged conflict of interest in the fuel racketeering scheme.”We express our profound dismay and disillusionment with the current economic trajectory, which has precipitated unprecedented hardship and suffering for Nigerian citizens. We demand the immediate sack of the NNPC GCEO, Mr. Mele Kyari,” NANS stated.

Similarly, the Coalition of Northern Youth for Good Governance and other civil societies have called for the suspension of Ahmed Farouk, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), pending the outcome of the ongoing government probe.

Final Thoughts

The allegations and data surrounding Nigeria’s petrol imports from Malta raise serious questions about the integrity of the country’s petroleum sector. If substantiated, these claims could indicate deep-rooted corruption and vested interests undermining Nigeria’s quest for self-sufficiency in petrol. Addressing these issues transparently and holding those responsible accountable is crucial for restoring confidence in Nigeria’s oil industry and ensuring a stable and affordable petrol supply for its population.