Politics

Heineken Lokpobiri: FG Unaware of Dangote’s US Crude Imports

Published by Tope Fakinlede on May 24th, 2024.

Heineken Lokpobiri: FG Unaware of Dangote’s US Crude Imports

The Federal Government has stated it was unaware that Dangote Refineries imports crude oil from the United States.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Heineken Lokpobiri emphasized that Nigeria has sufficient crude oil to supply all domestic refineries, including modular ones. He made this statement on Thursday in Abuja during the Ministerial Sectoral Updates, which were part of the events marking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first year in office.

The initial session of the Sectoral Briefing was attended by various ministers including the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; Minister of FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike; Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim Bio; Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmud; and Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande.

Lokpobiri stated, “I’m not aware that Dangote Refinery has started importing crude oil from the US. That’s why we are focusing on increasing production. We are engaging with service companies to resume drilling. The only way to boost production is to continue drilling.”

Addressing rumors about the continuation of fuel subsidies under the Tinubu administration, he clarified, “Regarding the subsidy, from the first day President Tinubu took office, he declared that the subsidy is gone. I can confirm that there is no fuel subsidy today. However, it’s important to note that governments worldwide find ways to subsidize essential goods, whether it’s fuel or food, to alleviate the suffering of their citizens. But officially, there is no fuel subsidy as of now.”