TheNewsGuru

Tag: Dangote

  • FRSC reacts as Dangote truck crushes 5, injures 14 others

    FRSC reacts as Dangote truck crushes 5, injures 14 others

    The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Malam Shehu Mohammed has directed the immediate re-inspection and recertification of Dangote fleet  nationwide.

    Mohammed gave the order in a statement by the Acting Corps Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said that the directives had become necessary following a fatal road traffic crash involving a Dangote truck on Wednesday on the Nyanya-Maraba highway, which claimed five lives and injured 14 others.

    He added that the crash, which occurred at 08:40pm , involved 10 vehicles, including a Dangote truck was caused by break failure and speeding.

    “From the analysis concerning the cause of the crash, the Dangote trailer which was conveying full load of cement, had a break failure.

    “The driver lost control of the wheels while on a speed that was already against the prescribed legal speed limit on that road, before crashing into the vehicles,”he said.

    The Corps Marshal also ordered the Road Transport Safety Standardisation Office (RTSSO) of the Corps to ensure maximum compliance with safety standards.

    He however, directed the immediate clearance of obstructions caused by the crash and prosecution of the truck operator.

    Three of the injured victims were rescued to Nyanya General Hospital, three to Asokoro General Hospital, and nine to the National Hospital, Abuja. The dead victims were deposited in Karu General Hospital Morgue after being confirmed dead by doctors.

    The 10 vehicles involved were an ash colour Toyota Corolla RSH-633-FB, a red Volkswagen Golf without registration number, a black Volkswagen Golf 3 AF160-KAC, another red Volkswagen Golf 3 SML-199AA.

    Others are: and a silver colour 406 Peugeot YAB-307AF, a green Volkswagen Golf ABC-846ZW, and 3 Bajaj Boxer unregistered motorcycles.

    The corps said 19 victims (15 male adults and four female adults) were involved.

    From the number, the corps said 14 male adults sustained various degrees of injuries including cuts, fracture, bruises etc.

    The corps also said 5 victims, comprising of four males and one female were killed.

  • Nyanya Crash: FRSC orders immediate recertification of Dangote fleet nationwide

    Nyanya Crash: FRSC orders immediate recertification of Dangote fleet nationwide

    The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Malam Shehu Mohammed has directed the immediate re-inspection and recertification of Dangote fleet  nationwide.

    Mohammed gave the order in a statement by the Acting Corps Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said that the directives had become necessary following a fatal road traffic crash involving a Dangote truck on Wednesday on the Nyanya-Maraba highway, which claimed five lives and injured 14 others.

    He added that the crash, which occurred at 08:40pm , involved 10 vehicles, including a Dangote truck was caused by break failure and speeding.

    “From the analysis concerning the cause of the crash, the Dangote trailer which was conveying full load of cement, had a break failure.

    “The driver lost control of the wheels while on a speed that was already against the prescribed legal speed limit on that road, before crashing into the vehicles,”he said.

    The Corps Marshal also ordered the Road Transport Safety Standardisation Office (RTSSO) of the Corps to ensure maximum compliance with safety standards.

    He however, directed the immediate clearance of obstructions caused by the crash and prosecution of the truck operator.

    NAN reports that three of the injured victims were rescued to Nyanya General Hospital, three to Asokoro General Hospital, and nine to the National Hospital, Abuja.

    The dead victims were deposited in Karu General Hospital Morgue after being confirmed dead by doctors.

    The 10 vehicles involved were an ash colour Toyota Corolla RSH-633-FB, a red Volkswagen Golf without registration number, a black Volkswagen Golf 3 AF160-KAC, another red Volkswagen Golf 3 SML-199AA.

    Others are: and a silver colour 406 Peugeot YAB-307AF, a green Volkswagen Golf ABC-846ZW, and 3 Bajaj Boxer unregistered motorcycles.

    The corps said 19 victims (15 male adults and four female adults) were involved.

    From the number, the corps said 14 male adults sustained various degrees of injuries including cuts, fracture, bruises etc.

    The corps also said 5 victims, comprising of four males and one female were killed.

  • Reps to investigate Dangote refinery, NMDPRA, NNPC rift

    Reps to investigate Dangote refinery, NMDPRA, NNPC rift

    The House of Representatives has said that it would investigate the ongoing spat between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

    The investigation would also include the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL).

    Rep. Philip Agbese, the deputy spokesperson of the House, said this while speaking with newsmen in Abuja on Saturday.

    Tthe investigation is coming amid the biting fuel crisis across the country and the allegations that Dangote’s fuel is of low in quality.

    Agbese said the investigation conformed to the House commitment to protect all national assets and critical economic infrastructure like the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

    He said: “We have been seeing a lot by way of demarketing campaigns to discredit the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and given the negative impact of this, which has caused panic in the country.

    This, according to him, has resulted to uncertainties that had led to fuel queue resurfacing, adding that is totally condemnable.

    “Unfortunately, what we have learnt is that the NNPC and NMDPRA play major role in these plots to discredit the refinery, which is unacceptable.

    “The bigger aspect of our concern is that there are concerns that false narratives are being peddled by certain interests that are bent on importing dirty fuels into the country’’, he said.

    “As a proactive institution, committed to the wellbeing of the nation and Nigerians, the position of the House is to investigate the allegations’’, he told newsmen

    Agbese said the House would bring closure to the matter so that there would be a direction towards economic stability.

    “It is on record that the House had directed the President to sack NMDPRA, so the House will also not hesitate to call for the sack of Mr Mele Kyari, the Group Chief executive officer of NNPCL if need be’’, he said.

    He added that the demand for Kyari ‘s sack would happen if there was evidence of an attempt to destroy Dangote refinery.

    He added that the leadership of NMDPRA must be sacked, adding that both agencies had confirmed they were interested in destroying the Dangote Refinery.

    According to him, many Nigerians have called off the proposed hardship protest, but they want to see Kyari’s sack if that will guarantee that the country will function smoothly.

    It would be recalled that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, had earlier led a delegation of the House on a visit to the Dangote refinery and Petrochemicals Company in Lagos

    This was part of the ongoing efforts to understand and support the nation’s key industries.

    Abbas said the visit provided valuable insights that would guide the House’s legislative measures and decisions.

    He said the House was working to create a more business-friendly environment to make Nigeria an attractive destination for local and international investors.

  • Civil society coalition condemns Dangote, NMDPRA, rift

    Civil society coalition condemns Dangote, NMDPRA, rift

    The Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA) has condemned the rift between the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Dangote Refinery, saying it is regrettable.

    The coalition comprising no fewer than 100 civil rights organisations made this known in a statement signed by its Director-General, Dr Gabriel Nwambu, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    “We hereby condemn the actions of the alleged fifth columnists who are determined to destroy the Nigerian State.

    “We, therefore, express our concern over the disquiet caused by the outbursts of the Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, regarding the quality of products and allegations of monopolistic tendencies against Aliko Dangote’’, he said.

    He said it would be in the interest of the nation’s economy if all impediments to the smooth operation of oil and gas sector were addressed.

    “In light of these concerning developments, the coalition in collaboration with selected civil society organisations, plans to visit the Dangote Refinery next week.

    “This delegation, comprised of seven members, aims to assess the situation firsthand and stand in solidarity with Aliko Dangote against the unfair and damaging actions of the cabal.

    “We urge the media and the public to pay close attention to this matter. The coalition is committed to promoting accountability, transparency, and fairness in the Nigerian oil sector.

    “Our delegation’s visit to the Dangote Refinery aims to highlight the importance of supporting progressive initiatives that have the potential to drive positive change in our nation,” Nwambu said.

    He called for peaceful resolution of the conflict in a manner that it would be a win-win- for all parties involved.

    NAN recalls that while conducting media executives round the facility, Dangote complained of institutional obstacles to seamless operation of the refinery located in Lekki, Lagos State.

  • NNPC should buy and run my refinery – Dangote

    NNPC should buy and run my refinery – Dangote

    Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote has said he is willing to sell his oil refinery to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

    Aliko spoke in an interview with Premium Times on Sunday.

    His statement comes amid a dispute between the refinery and Nigeria’s regulatory authorities in Nigeria.

    According to Dangote “Let them (NNPCL) buy me out and run the refinery the best way they can. They have labelled me a monopolist,” Dangote said.

    “That’s an incorrect and unfair allegation, but it’s okay. If they buy me out, at least, their so-called monopolist would be out of the way.

    “We have been facing fuel crisis since the 70s. This refinery can help in resolving the problem but it does appear some people are uncomfortable that I am in the picture.

    “As you probably know, I am 67 years old, in less than three years, I will be 70. I need very little to live the rest of my life.

    “I can’t take the refinery or any other property or asset to my grave. Everything I do is in the interest of my country.

    “So, I am ready to let go, let the NNPC buy me out, run the refinery. At least the country will have high-quality products and create jobs.”

    In May 2023, the billionaire’s refinery was inaugurated. The 650,000 barrel-per-day sits on a 2, 635 hectares of land located in the free zone area of Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

    The facility began the production of diesel on January 12, but petrol supply is billed for August after numerous factors — including crude supply challenges and a fire outbreak at the facility — stalled production.

    The constraints on accessing crude feedstock from international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria forced the company to import crude from countries like Brazil and the US to bridge the meet supply.

    According to the Premium Times report, Dangote also said the obstacles his refinery is facing seem to have vindicated friends and associates who advised him to tread with caution as he pumped billions of dollars into the Nigerian economy.

    “Four years ago, one of my very wealthy friends began to invest his money abroad,” Dangote added.

    “I disagreed with him and urged him to rethink his action in the interest of his country.

    “He blamed his action on policy inconsistencies and shenanigans of interest groups.

    “That friend has been taunting me in the past few days, saying he warned me and that he has been proven right.”

    On July 18, Farouk Ahmed, chief executive officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), said local refineries, including the Dangote refinery, were producing inferior products compared to imported ones.

  • Aliko Dangote not above parliament – says Reps panel

    Aliko Dangote not above parliament – says Reps panel

    The House of Representatives Committee investigating the arbitrary increase in cement prices has stated that Alhaji Aliko Dangote is not above the parliament.

    The joint Committees on Commerce, Industry, Special Duties, and Solid Minerals had summoned the management of Dangote Cement for questioning over alleged arbitrary increase in the prices of cement in Nigeria.

    The committee, therefore, threatened to arrest the management of Dangote Cement if it failed to appear at its next hearing.

    This followed the absence of officials of the cement company during an investigative hearing to address the problem of cement increase in the country.

    The special panel, led by Rep. Jonathan Gaza while advocating for the downward review of cement prices, expressed worry over the increase in cement prices.

    According to the committee, “no single individual is bigger than the parliament of his country. No single Nigerian is bigger than the National Assembly.”

    He committee bemoaned the untold hardships it has brought upon many Nigerians.

    The committee directed the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Central Bank of Nigeria to cause appearances before the committee in the next two weeks.

    This, the committee said, it was to deliberate on measures necessary to address the situation for the benefits of the people.

    “They want to over profit without any sense of empathy for the citizens that have given it this platform. I think it calls for a rethink of the position of the government.

    “On Dangote my ruling is simple. The laws have given us the necessary powers but we owe you a duty of care. We are going to give you one more chance. We are going to communicate a date.

    “Failure to comply with that date, a subpoena will be issued, a warrant of arrest will be given for you to cause appearance before the National Assembly.

    “No single individual is bigger than the parliament of his country. No single Nigerian is bigger than the National Assembly.”

  • How Nigeria’s economy can be turned around in few months – Dangote

    How Nigeria’s economy can be turned around in few months – Dangote

    President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Mr Aliko Dangote, has said that the Nigerian economy can be turned around within months.

    According to him, the country has what it takes to turn the economy around.

    He stated this on Thursday while briefing State House reporters after President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC).

    He added that members of the council from the private and public sectors would sit regularly to advise the government on the kind of policies that the government should roll out.

    “Most of these things, we have them, there are already been discussed over and over again, it is a matter of implementation. I think the choice of people that are on the PECC, they are good enough to be able to advise the government on how to implement the policies,” said Dangote, who is Africa’s richest man.

    “The private sector will do its bit which is to invest heavily and create jobs. Government don’t create jobs, what they do is to give us the right policies. We have all these policies.

    “I keep saying our issues are not that bad, this economy can be turned around within a few months and I think we are on that way. I thank the President for inaugurating this Council.

    “We will start working immediately and I can assure you (that) you will see a lot of changes coming. We have what it takes to turn around this economy. We are going to work hard to make Nigerians proud.”

    Nigeria is battling inflation, high cost of living, and other economic crises sparked by the government’s twin policies of petrol subsidy removal and unification of forex windows.

  • Refinery fire incident contained effectively – Dangote

    Refinery fire incident contained effectively – Dangote

    Following the fire incident at Dangote refinery earlier on Wednesday, the group has released an official statement, stating that the fire has been put out.

    The statement describes the fire incident as minor, stating that it has been contained effectively.

    The statement reads partly “Dangote Refinery contains minor fire at its effluent treatment plant.

    “We have swiftly contained a minor fire incident at our effluent treatment plant (ETP), today Wednesday, 26th June.

    “There is no cause for alarm as the refinery is operating and there is no recorded injury or bodily harm to all our staff on duty,” the statement said.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reported earlier that explosions were heard on Wednesday after a major fire outbreak at the refinery located at the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State.

    Plans are ongoing for the refinery to start the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) soon.

  • IOCs plotting for our refinery to fail – Dangote

    IOCs plotting for our refinery to fail – Dangote

    Mr Devakumar Edwin, the Vice President of Dangote Oil and Gas Industries, has accused International Oil Companies (IOCs) in Nigeria of trying to frustrate the survival of Dangote Oil Refinery and Petrochemicals.

    Edwin told the newsmen in Lagos on Sunday.

    Edwin alleged that the IOCs were deliberately and wilfully frustrating the refinery’s efforts to buy local crude by jerking up high premium price above the market price.

    He claimed that this forced Dangote to import crude from countries as far as the United States, with its attendant high costs.

    Edwin lamented the activity of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in granting licences, indiscriminately, to marketers to import dirty refined products into the country.

    He said, “The federal government issued 25 licences to build refinery, and we are the only one that delivered on promise.

    “In effect, we deserve every support from the government. It is good to note that from the start of production, more than 3.5 billion litres, which represents 90 per cent of our production, have been exported.

    “We are calling on the federal government and regulators to give us the necessary support in order to create jobs and prosperity for the nation,” he said.

    He claimed that while the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) was trying its best to allocate the crude for the company, the IOCs were deliberately and willfully frustrating all efforts to buy the local crude.

    “It would be recalled that the NUPRC, recently met with crude oil producers as well as refineries owners in Nigeria, in a bid to ensure full adherence to Domestic Crude Oil Supply Obligations (DCSO), as enunciated under section 109(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

    “It seems that the IOCs’ objective is to ensure that our Petroleum Refinery fails. It is either they are deliberately asking for ridiculous/humongous premium or, they simply state that crude is not available.

    “At some point, we paid six dollars over and above the market price. This has forced us to reduce our output as well as import crude from countries as far as the US, increasing our cost of production.

    “It appears that the objective of the IOCs is to ensure that Nigeria remains a country which exports Crude Oil and imports refined Petroleum Products.

    “They (IOCs) are keen on exporting the raw materials to their home countries, creating employment and wealth for their countries, adding to their GDP, and dumping the expensive refined products into Nigeria – thus making us to be dependent on imported products,” he added.

    Edwin said: “It is the same strategy the multinationals have been adopting in every commodity, making Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa to be facing unemployment and poverty, while they create wealth for themselves at our expense.

    “This is exploitation – pure and simple. Unfortunately, the country is also playing into their hands by continuing to issue import licences, at the expense of our economy, and at the cost of the health of the Nigerians who are exposed to carcinogenic products.

    “In spite of the fact that we are producing and bringing out diesel into the market, complying with ECOWAS regulations and standards, licences are being issued, in large quantities, to traders who are buying the extremely high sulphur diesel from Russia and dumping it in the Nigerian Market.

    “Since the US, EU and UK imposed a Price Cap Scheme from 5th February, 2023 on Russian Petroleum Products, a large number of vessels are waiting near Togo with Russian ultra-high sulphur diesel and, they are being purchased and dumped into the Nigerian Market.

    “In fact, some of the European countries were so alarmed about the carcinogenic effect of the extra high sulphur diesel being dumped into the Nigerian market that countries like Belgium and the Netherlands imposed a ban on such fuel being exported from its country, into West Africa, recently.

    “It is sad that the country is giving import licences for such dirty diesel to be imported into Nigeria when we have more than adequate petroleum refining capacity locally,” he said.

  • Dangote refinery to begin petrol production, distribution in July

    Dangote refinery to begin petrol production, distribution in July

    The Dangote refinery has said that  premium motor spirit ( PMS) petrol production and distribution will officially begin in July 2024.

    Initially, the refinery said it was going to start production in June but due to logistics issues it has been shifted till July.

    The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote told newsmen during a tour of the facility with Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu of Lagos State on Sunday that the petrol from the 650,000 barrels per day capacity refinery would be out in July.

    Dangote said this was due to some minor challenges, stating that the product would be out by July 10 to 15.

    “We had a bit of delay, but PMS will start coming out by 10 to 15 of July. But then we want to keep it in the tank to make sure that it settles. So by the third week of July, we’ll be able to come out to take it into the market,” Dangote had said.

    Reacting to the update from Dangote, some Nigerians held different views on what could have been the reason for the recurrent postponement.

    A Facebook user, Anthony Ihenyen, said it was not easy to have such a huge investment.

    “You are trying, sir, and it will fly. We need more people like you to do more here in Nigeria, not abroad. Nobody is a saint.