The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited has denied involvement in the alleged attempt to sabotage the Dangote Refinery.
The company pointed out its significant financial stake in the project.
Soneye argued that any attempt to undermine the refinery would be counterproductive as it would harm NNPC’s own interests.
He also clarified that NNPC has no connection to the head of Nigeria’s mainstream and downstream petroleum regulatory authorities, Mr. Farouq Ahmed, who had raised concerns about the refinery’s operations.
Soneye said: “We want all Nigerians to know that NNPC limited doesn’t have any issue at all with Dangote Refinery. We are part of the owners of Dangote refinery and we will want it to collapse.
“We put billions of naira into Dangote refinery. As of today, we have 7.2% stake in the refinery. So why would we want to sabotage such a company?
“Now, on the issue Mr. Farouq raised, he doesn’t work for NNPC. Mr. Farouq Ahmed is the head of Nigeria’s mainstream and downstream petroleum regulatory authorities. They have power over all the refineries. Anything that has to with distribution of petrol, they are in charge. In fact, they are superior to us in that area. We don’t have anything to do with them
This statement comes amid allegations of sabotage and tensions within the petroleum industry.
NNPC’s investment in the Dangote Refinery demonstrates its commitment to the project’s success, contradicting claims of malicious intent.
As the refinery prepares to commence operations, NNPC‘s reassurance aims to remove concerns and promote a collaborative environment in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
