Dangote Refinery to Receive Licence Soon, Says NMDPRA
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has announced that the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Petroleum Refinery is nearing completion and will soon be issued a license to operate.
This news was revealed during a “Stakeholders’ Consultation Forum on Midstream and Petroleum Host Community Development Trust Regulations” held in Abuja. Engr. Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive of NMDPRA, emphasized that the refinery is currently undergoing pre-commissioning and will be granted a full operating license in the near future.
Ahmed further highlighted that, within the midstream sector, around 15 gas facilities possess valid licenses, with more currently under processing. He elaborated on the downstream sector, stating that over 1,199 facilities hold valid licenses, with more than 176 operators possessing gas import permits. Additionally, 130 depots and 69 coastal vessels boast valid licenses as of today.
Regarding retail outlets, NMDPRA has licensed 9,464 as of April 30th, 10:00 AM. Highlighting the importance of including midstream and downstream operations within the Host Community Development framework, Ahmed emphasized the impact of emissions and effluents on these communities, using the Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) facilities as examples.
The forum aimed to gather stakeholder input on the midstream and downstream inclusion within the Host Community Development Trust Regulations. Stakeholders were encouraged to actively participate in defining which facilities should be covered and the criteria for their inclusion.
The House Committee Chairman on Host Community, Hon. Dumnamene Robinson Dekor, expressed his commitment to holding industry players accountable for any non-compliance with the regulations. He emphasized that any violation will be met with legal consequences.
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Dekor urged the forum to prioritize objectives that instill a sense of ownership and inclusion within host communities. He emphasized the need to strengthen the relationships between companies, the government, and the communities through this revised framework.
The Dangote Refinery’s impending operational license signifies a significant development for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. NMDPRA’s commitment to stakeholder engagement and responsible industry regulation paves the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future within the sector.
