Overhaul NMDPRA, liquidate NNPC refineries, Dan Kunle tells FG

Dan Kunle, a public policy analyst, says the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is due for an urgent overhaul.

Kunle, whose experience in the energy sector spans three decades, said this was due to milestones in petroleum refining, storage, distribution and retailing.

Sharing his view on the industry with TheCable on Monday, the expert asked the government to “liquidate” all refineries managed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

“With this big bang in the petroleum refining, storage, distribution and retailing, the NMDPRA, Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority is due for an urgent overhaul,” Kunle said.

“If the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is not quickly reorganised, they will continue to be a clog in the wheel of the new era.

“It is time to remove the cancer, NNPC LTD must stop to use our upstream oil and gas profits to fund the midstream Regulatory Authority.”

Kunle said all “NNPC’s refineries are now due for immediate liquidations”.

Kunle further said all the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company’s (PPMC) depots and products pipelines, which have been long moribund, “are now due for liquidations”.

“FGN, NNPC LTD, will be saving trillions of naira as Dangote Refinery Complex will use her efficient capacity scales to absorb those trillions on behalf of Nigerians,” he said.

On June 15, Dangote refinery said it would begin the nationwide distribution of diesel and premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, on August 15.

Speaking on the development, Kunle said a “historical moment is here with us”.

“The equalisation funds in spirit and letter were good, as decreed by Gen. Gowon in 1975, but was poorly managed by all successful governments, except President Bola Tinubu, who has put an end to the scam,” he said.

“Dangote Refinery is now replacing the good spirit and letter henceforth. PBAT has succeeded in belling the cat.

“With the private sector leadership of Aliko Dangote, a new era is born for the petroleum refining, storage, and distributions in Nigeria.

The energy expert congratulated Tinubu, Aliko Dangote, president of the Dangote refinery, and his team, as well as Nigerians.