Three oil marketers, AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, have asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a suit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals.

The marketers, in a joint counter affidavit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, and dated November 5, 2024, a response to an originating summon filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, argued that granting the application of refinery would spell doom for the country’s oil sector.

They emphasised that the plan to monopolise the oil sector is a recipe for disaster in the country.

Dangote refinery in its originating summon dated September 6, 2024, had sued Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited, AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited as 1st to 7th defendants respectively.

 

The refinery prayed the court to declare that NMDPRA was in violation of Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by issuing licenses for the importation of petroleum products.

It stated that such licenses should only be issued in circumstances where there is a petroleum product shortfall.

It also urged the court to declare that NMDPRA is in violation of its statutory responsibilities under the PIA for not encouraging local refineries such as the company.

Shafa, A. A. Rano, and Matrix Petroleum, however, responded that Dangote refinery does not produce adequate petroleum products for the daily consumption of Nigerians.

They noted that the plaintiff had not placed anything before the court to prove the contrary.

They argued that they are well qualified and entitled to be issued an import licence by NMDPRA to import petroleum products in Nigeria within the meaning of Section 317(9) of the PIA.

They also noted that they are fully qualified for the issuance of the import licences issued to them by the 1st defendant, as they duly met all the legal requirements for the issuance of such import licences, before the same were issued to them.

“The import licences lawfully and validly issued to the defendants did not in any way whatsoever, cripple the plaintiff’s business or its refinery.

“The import licenses issued to the defendants by the 1st defendant are in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018, and other relevant laws,” they contended.

They insisted that giving Dangote Refinery the power of monopoly in Nigeria’s petroleum industry as it sought in the instant suit, would kill competitive pricing of petroleum products in the country.

 

Stressing that such an act would further deteriorate the country’s critically ailing economy.

They also added that it would “unleash untold hardship on Nigerians, all of which constitute a recipe for disaster in the polity”.

The marketers explained that if Nigeria puts all her energy eggs in one basket by stopping the importation of petroleum products and allowing the plaintiff to be the sole producer and supplier of petroleum products in Nigeria, with liberty to determine the prices at which it supplies the products, the prices of petroleum products will continue to rise and energy security will elude Nigeria.

They also noted that should the refinery break down being a monopolized sector, the country will be plunged into a hot mess of energy crisis.

“That in the event of any breakdown in or obstruction to the production chain of the plaintiff which stops it from producing Nigeria will be thrown into energy crises because it does not have the reserves that would last it for at least 30 days that it would need to order, pay for, freight and import refined products into tanks in Nigeria.

“That amidst the glaring absence of any credible and demonstrable proof that the plaintiff refines and supplies adequate petroleum products for the daily use/consumption of Nigerians, is a recipe for disaster in Nigeria’s energy sector.”

They further told the court that granting the reliefs sought by the plaintiff was a design to leave Nigeria and Nigerians at the mercy of the plaintiff with respect to the availability and cost of purchasing petroleum products in the country.

The presiding judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed January 20, 2025, for a report of settlement or service.

Dangote exports products

Meanwhile, three foreign firms have accounted for about 75 per cent of what’s being lifted from the 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote refinery, a new report has stated.

A report by Bloomberg on Wednesday said Vitol Group, Trafigura Group, and BP Plc are the dominant buyers of fuels from the oil refinery that’s reshaping petroleum trading in Africa and Europe.

The trio has accounted for the vast majority of the plant’s shipments since flows began ratcheting up around the middle of this year, according to data from Precise Intelligence, a new oil-and-gas trading analytics firm based in Geneva.

The report quotes products offtake from February 27 to October 10 with other customers including the local market taking 25 per cent of total fuel purchases from the company.

Earlier this year, Dangote began operations and kick-started the production of diesel, aviation fuel, and LPG before subsequently progressing to the production of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol).

 

Once it’s fully up and running, Dangote should be able to process about 650,000 barrels a day of crude into products including gasoline and diesel.

That will far exceed the fuel making capacity of any single plant in Europe or Africa, helping to reshape the regions’ oil and fuel trading.

The emergence of Dangote has already trimmed a glut of Nigerian crude.

Analysis of the report showed that the refinery has loaded almost 6 million tons of fuel since starting up.

This is equivalent to almost 45 million barrels, loading rates averaged about 35,000 tonnes a day in October, its data showed.

Dangote itself said late last month that the refinery had reached processing rates of about 420,000 barrels a day of crude.

The plant is also selling into the Nigerian market.

The composition of fuel cargoes loading from Dangote is closely watched because it offers clues into where the refinery is at in terms of starting up different processing units.

On the products sold, the figures show that automotive gas oil — commonly known as diesel — is the largest cargo type being lifted, accounting for the highest proportion of shipments. This is followed by fuel oil, which ranks second in terms of volume.

Together, these two products make up more than 60 per cent of the total output being collected from the plant.

Other significant fuel types being processed include gasoline, which is used for cars and other light vehicles, and jet fuel, primarily utilised by the aviation industry for aircraft.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56. 

He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.

Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu. 

His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.

Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. 

He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.

An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.

Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children. 

President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation.

 

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information and Strategy)

Nigeria's Labour Party leader and Presidential Candidate of the party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has congratulated the newly elected 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump.

The Labour Party leader expressed the hope that Trump's victory will help to deepen democracy globally and engender much-needed peace in the World.

Obi commended the US electoral officials as well as the people of America for conducting a successful poll.

 

Signed 

Ibrahim Umar 

POMR SPOKESMAN

The President-elect of the United States of America, Donald Trump, will be sworn in as president after an inauguration on Monday, 20 January 2025.

 Trump will take over from the administration of the 46th president, Joe Biden.

 

Trump, earlier in the day had assumed leadership in the electoral process after clearing the threshold of the 270 Electoral College votes required to clinch the White House.

The victory of the 45th President in those swing states currently sees him with 277 electoral votes against 224 for the Vice President of US, Kamala Harris.

Polls had predicted a much tighter race, but it appears that anger fuelled the Republican’s remarkable comeback from defeat in 2020 and widespread condemnation of his refusal to accept the result.

Meanwhile, at the time of filing this report, Harris, who contested on the platform of the Democratic Party, is yet to accept defeat in the presidential election.

The campaign co-chair for Harris, Cedric Richmond had announced early on Wednesday that Harris would not speak to supporters gathered at Howard University as the campaign awaited additional election results.

According to Richmond, more votes count are still expected, and concentration is on fighting to make sure all votes are counted.

Attendees at Howard University were then advised to leave, though many remained optimistic for a Harris victory.

In a mark of deep respect for the late Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, who tragically passed away on Tuesday night, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has postponed the scheduled Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting until a future date.

The postponement was communicated in a statement issued on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Lagbaja, served the Nigerian Armed Forces with dedication from June 19, 2023, until his untimely death.

His passing has left a void in the nation’s military leadership and has prompted a nationwide period of mourning.

Also, President Tinubu, who serves as the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff across Nigeria for seven days as a tribute to the late general.

 

The FEC meeting, originally scheduled for today, will be rescheduled to allow the nation to pay its respects to the decorated army officer.

President Tinubu also reached out to the family of General Lagbaja and the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He offered his heartfelt condolences while acknowledging the critical role the general played in safeguarding national security.

 

The president expressed his admiration for Lagbaja’s commitment to duty.

Lagbaja was described as a patriotic and exemplary leader whose contributions to the Nigerian military will not be forgotten.

The passing of General Lagbaja, who led the Nigerian Army during a period of both challenges and successes, has sent ripples across the country.

 

His leadership was marked by a steadfast commitment to strengthening national defence, countering security threats, and modernizing the armed forces.

In honour of his service, the Nigerian government and military are commemorating his life and legacy, with President Tinubu emphasizing the need for unity and strength within the Armed Forces during this period of transition.

The rescheduled date for the FEC meeting will be announced in the coming days, as the government continues to honour General Lagbaja’s memory.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States of America.

President Tinubu made this known in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga

He said he looks forward to strengthening the ties between Nigeria and the United States amid the complex challenges and opportunities of the contemporary world.

 

“Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”

“Trump’s victory reflects the trust and confidence the American people have placed in his leadership.”

According to Onanuga, Tinubu believes that, given President Trump’s experience as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021, his return to the White House as the 47th president will usher in an era of earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.

The United States President-elect, Donald Trump, has vowed to deliver a strong country that Americans would be proud of.

Trump thanked Americans for voting him as the 46th president of the US.

Delivering his victory speech in Florida, Trump described his win as a “historic victory,” stressing that his movement has achieved an unprecedented political feat.

The President-elect promised to usher in a “golden age” for America.

He said: “This is a movement like nobody has ever seen before, and frankly, this was, I believe, the greatest political movement of all time. There’s never been anything like this in this country, and now its going to reach a new level of importance because we are going to help our country heal.

“We overcame obstacles that nobody thought possible.

“I want to thank the American people for the extraordinary honor of being elected your 47th president and your 45th president.

“I will not rest until we have delivered this strong, safe, and proud America that our children deserve and that you deserve.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has announced the death of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff.

Lagbaja died at the age of 56.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, he passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.

“Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.

“His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.

“Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.

“He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.

“An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.

“Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.

“President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honors his significant contributions to the nation,” the statement added.

[DailyPost]

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has informed Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited and other oil marketers that the deregulation of the downstream oil sector should not be used as a justification for the importation of off-spec petroleum products or the undermining of Nigeria’s national interests.

The refinery made this statement on Tuesday, in response to remarks by Robert Dickerman, the CEO of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, concerning the importation and blending of petroleum products, which the Pinnacle boss boss framed within the context of a “deregulated commodity market.”

On Sunday Dangote refinery tackled the firm for setting up a blending plant around its facility in Lagos, with the intention of selling substandard petroleum products to Nigerians.

Though the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Dickerman, refuted the claim, the Dangote refinery said that his argument for a deregulated market could not obscure the serious implications of his actions which, it claimed, threatened the integrity of Nigeria’s energy sector and endangered the welfare of its citizens.

 

While reiterating its support for deregulation and industrialisation, Dangote emphasised that this support is grounded in a commitment to the sustainable growth of the country’s economy and the protection of its people from exploitation.

The refinery affirmed that the health and safety of Nigerians should never be compromised in the pursuit of profit.

“The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Company has long been an advocate for deregulation and industrialisation in Nigeria, but our support is rooted in a commitment to the sustainable growth of the country’s economy and the protection of its people from any exploitation.

 

“Unlike Dickerman’s view, deregulation should not be a licence for the importation and distribution of off-spec products or the subversion of national interests,” it said.

The company also noted that, as an American, Dickerman should be well aware of how his own country protects its industries.

It pointed to several recent examples from the United States to underline the point. For instance, US President Joe Biden recently opposed the sale of US Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel, stressing the importance of maintaining strong American steel companies supported by American workers—an example of protectionism that prioritises national economic interests over short-term profit.

Similarly, the US has taken action to restrict the use of Chinese-made cranes in its ports, citing national security concerns, according to the refinery.

The US has also imposed a 100 per cent tariff on electric vehicles and a 50 per cent duty on medical equipment imported from China, further demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding domestic industries.

The United States has also ramped up efforts to boost its own production of computer chips and medical supplies, driven by national security concerns and the need for economic self-sufficiency.

Furthermore, during his presidency, George W. Bush used anti-dumping laws to impose tariffs on a range of Chinese goods that were considered to be unfairly priced, the facility argued.

 

“It is therefore perplexing that Dickerman, with all his experience in the US market, would advocate for the importation and blending of petroleum products to Nigeria under the claim of deregulation and a free market.

“The fact is that he had deceitfully approached us and pleaded that we extend the pipeline from our refinery to Pinnacle’s tank farms for the purpose of blending our high-quality products with their imported products and selling them to Nigerians.

“We categorically rejected his request to extend our pipeline to their tank farms for such devious purposes because it would be a betrayal of the Nigerian people’s trust. The health and safety of Nigerians cannot—and should not—be compromised for profit,” it stated.

The company also raised concerns over Pinnacle Oil’s decision to lease its tank farms to a company without any retail outlets in Nigeria, questioning the strategic intent behind such actions, particularly given that the farms are located just 500 metres from Dangote’s refinery.

It expressed its vigilance regarding the coordinated efforts to undermine the Dangote Refinery, drawing parallels to the fate of refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery called on the government, patriotic Nigerians, and local businesses to remain steadfast in defending the country’s sovereignty and economic independence.

“The choice we face is between fostering industrialisation or allowing Nigeria to remain a dumping ground for inferior products while exporting jobs.

 

“For nearly three decades, cartels and their collaborators have sabotaged efforts to develop Nigeria’s refining capacity, keeping the country dependent on imported products. The time has come to end this cycle of exploitation and ensure that Nigeria’s energy sector works for the benefit of its people,” it added.

Reiterating its belief that a strong, self-sufficient energy sector is vital for Nigeria’s economic growth, Dangote affirmed that it will continue to advocate for policies and practices that protect both industries and the well-being of all Nigerians.

The company also expressed its support for healthy competition that drives innovation and quality, and looked forward to the upcoming commissioning of the four state-owned refineries, as promised by the NNPCL.

“At Dangote Petroleum Refinery, we are committed to ensuring that Nigeria becomes self-reliant in petroleum production, and we welcome competition that drives innovation and quality.

“However, we will never allow the continued importation and blending of petroleum products, nor the deliberate destruction of our national economy. We believe that a strong, self-sufficient energy sector is vital to Nigeria’s economic growth, and we will continue to advocate for policies and practices that protect our industries and the well-being of all Nigerians.”

“We eagerly anticipate the coming on stream of the Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt refineries before the end of this year, as promised by the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mele Kyari. This milestone will not only end all baseless rumours of monopoly but also position Nigeria as a refining hub for petroleum products in Africa,” it concluded.

Last modified on Wednesday, 06 November 2024 09:58
Former President Donald Trump has been projected to secure a second term in the White House, a historic comeback nearly four years after departing under legal and political uncertainty.

Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ) called the election for Trump after he clinched Pennsylvania and Alaska, bringing him to the necessary 270 electoral votes.

 

The win comes in a contentious race against Vice President Kamala Harris, amid a series of unforeseen events: Trump faced a criminal trial during the campaign, endured two assassination attempts, and witnessed a late reshuffle atop the Democratic ticket following President Biden’s decision to step down.

This victory makes Trump the first president since Grover Cleveland in 1892 to reclaim the White House after an electoral defeat.

His path to victory included flipping key states like Georgia and solidifying his hold on North Carolina, with battleground polling remaining razor-thin until Election Day. Trump also made gains in the popular vote, a feat Republicans have achieved only once since 1992.

Campaigning with Senator JD Vance (R-Ohio) as his running mate, Trump seized on widespread concerns over rising costs, border security, and global unrest to rally voters around a return to his policies.

Exit polls highlighted a strong turnout among Latino voters, increased rural support, and near parity with Harris among young men, a demographic his campaign had aggressively targeted.

Trump’s agenda signals a hardline approach: he has pledged sweeping immigration enforcement, extending his 2017 tax cuts, enacting universal tariffs, rolling back transgender protections, and dismantling the Department of Education.

In addition, Trump has committed to assembling an administration loyal to his vision.

Despite a traditionally difficult path with female voters, Trump was able to offset potential losses on the issue of abortion, which became a central theme following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Harris highlighted this issue throughout her campaign, but it ultimately did not sway enough voters to her side.

Trump’s victory could shift the Supreme Court further to the right, as Republicans regained Senate control.

Having narrowly won the presidency in 2016 and lost in 2020, Trump’s return caps a period marked by his vehement, yet unproven, assertions of electoral fraud.

The 2023 federal indictment over his post-2020 actions remains ongoing, but Trump has indicated his intent to dismiss Special Counsel Jack Smith, potentially hindering ongoing investigations.

 
[NaijaNews]