Dangote Refinery’s Unexpected Stagnation: A Deep Dive into Nigeria’s $25 Billion NNPC Expenditure

Discover the gap between expectations and reality, the silence surrounding the refinery’s halt, and the financial strain borne by the NNPC.

In the heart of Nigeria’s burgeoning oil and gas sector, a surprise awaited its citizens.

The much-anticipated Dangote Refinery, commissioned with pomp and circumstance, has failed to launch as forecasted.

Meanwhile, Nigeria, with its vast oil reserves, finds itself in a paradox, heavily relying on imported petrol.

This development paints a contrasting picture when juxtaposed with the country’s significant investments in its national refineries.

A Delayed Promise: The Dangote Refinery

The Expectation vs. The Reality

Despite assurances by Aliko Dangote, the chairman of the Dangote Group, that the refinery would kick start its production in late July or early August 2023, a deafening silence ensues.

As the days of August fly by, Nigerians await an update, anxiety intertwined with hope.

The Silence from the Management

To the bewilderment of many, there’s been no official communication from the refinery’s administration regarding the unexpected halt and the roadmap ahead.

The NNPC Debacle: A Persistent Drain

Evolution of NNPC

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company, transitioning to a limited liability entity post the introduction of the Petroleum Industry Act, has had its share of challenges.

It has continually struggled to maintain the Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) for the nation’s four refineries.

Refineries At A Glance

• Port Harcourt: Twin refineries with a combined output of 210,000 barrels per day.
• Kaduna: A refining capacity of 110,000 barrels daily.
• Warri: Outputs 125,000 barrels per day.

In theory, Nigeria has an impressive combined refining capability of 445,000 barrels per day. However, the reality differs starkly.

The Declining Years

Over the past decade, these refineries have drained Nigeria’s resources, operating far below their potentials.

Come 2021, production ceased entirely, escalating Nigeria’s reliance on imported petrol.

A Dive into the Financials

Reports reveal disheartening statistics. For instance, in 2018, the consolidated capacity utilization was a mere 10.89%.

Losses recorded ran into billions, with NNPC’s financials painting a bleak picture year after year.

The Staggering Financial Implications

The Spiraling Costs

Despite significant funds invested in rehabilitation efforts, the refineries operated at below 30% capacity, leading to a shutdown in 2021.

The crux of the issue isn’t just operational inefficiency but the staggering financial implications tied to it.

The Financial Strain in Numbers

• Kaduna Refinery: Spent N24 billion in 2018, generating no revenue.
• Warri Refinery: Revenue of N1.98 billion against a cost of sales of N12.74 billion in 2018.
• Port Harcourt Refinery: Expenses totaled N24.04 billion against a revenue of N1.45 billion in 2018.

Accountability & Governance: A Peek Behind the Curtains

Salaries Without Output

While the refineries remained non-operational, massive sums were expended on director remunerations, running into billions.

The Senate Steps In

Given the financial conundrums and operational challenges, the Senate initiated a probe into NNPCL in January 2021, driven by Senator Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf’s observations.

With the Dangote Refinery’s delay and NNPC’s continuous financial drain, Nigerians find themselves at a crossroad.

While the future remains uncertain, a consolidated effort towards transparency, governance, and operational efficiency is the need of the hour.

Only time will reveal if Nigeria can capitalize on its vast oil reserves and truly become self-reliant in its petroleum needs.

for more info do follow / piggybank.ng

FAQs