The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has officially ended the importation of refined petroleum products, now relying on fuel sourced from local refineries such as the Dangote Refinery. This significant policy shift was announced by NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mele Kyari, during the 42nd annual conference of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) in Lagos.

Addressing rumors about NNPC’s role in alleged disruptions at the Dangote Refinery, Kyari refuted claims that NNPC hindered its operations, asserting, “We are proud part-owners of the Dangote Refinery. Supplying domestic refineries with Nigerian crude oil was a strategic choice to secure a reliable local market for our production.”

Kyari emphasized the high quality of Nigerian crude, which he described as “Lamborghini crude” due to its premium purity, noting that this quality contributes to the higher costs of domestically refined products. He explained that Nigerian crude is often blended with lower-grade oils internationally to facilitate processing, adding, “If we use only domestically refined products, we must address the cost implications, as fuel quality and price vary by region and demand.”

In response to allegations that NNPC refused to sell crude to the Dangote Refinery in naira, Kyari clarified, “Selling in naira is no problem. It leads to a net-zero gain in balance with domestic product purchases, helping reduce FX dependency, curb inflation, and alleviate pressure on the naira.” This move marks a strategic pivot to strengthen Nigeria’s energy independence, reduce foreign exchange demand, and support the growth of a self-reliant domestic oil sector.