The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has called for an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the serious allegations made by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, against the leadership of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
ANEEJ notes with concern the public allegations by Alhaji Dangote, who accused the leadership of the NMDPRA of actions amounting to “economic sabotage,” particularly the continued issuance of import licences for petroleum products despite Nigeria’s growing domestic refining capacity. According to Mr. Dangote, such regulatory practices undermine local refining, discourage investment, perpetuate dependence on fuel imports, and ultimately harm Nigeria’s economy.
In a statement signed by ANEEJ Executive Director, Rev. David Ugolor, on Monday, 15 December and made available to Newscurve24 in Benin City, ANEEJ notes that, “These allegations come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with a deepening fuel crisis marked by high pump prices, foreign exchange pressures, and rising inflation. As a major oil-producing country, Nigeria’s continued reliance on imported refined petroleum products has placed enormous strain on public finances, weakened the naira, and worsened the cost-of-living crisis for millions of citizens.”
ANEEJ emphasises that such damning allegations have the potential to erode public confidence in regulatory institutions if left unaddressed and undermine efforts to achieve energy security and economic self reliance.
“The issues raised go beyond a private commercial dispute and touch on broader questions of regulatory integrity, public accountability, and national economic interest. If left unaddressed, such allegations risk eroding public confidence in regulatory institutions and undermining ongoing efforts to achieve energy security and industrial self-reliance.
“The allegations raised by Mr. Aliko Dangote are grave and deserve serious, impartial scrutiny. Regulatory institutions are entrusted with safeguarding the public interest. Any perception that regulatory decisions are undermining domestic production or enabling avoidable economic losses must be thoroughly investigated in the interest of transparency and national development.”
“ANEEJ therefore calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and relevant authorities to constitute an independent inquiry into the allegations against the leadership of the NMDPRA. Such an investigation should involve credible representatives from civil society, industry experts, anti-corruption institutions, and relevant legislative oversight committees to ensure objectivity and public trust.
“The investigation should be empowered to examine regulatory conduct, petroleum import licensing practices, and their broader implications for domestic refining, foreign exchange management, and Nigeria’s economic stability. ANEEJ further insists that the findings of the inquiry must be made public and accompanied by clear, enforceable recommendations to prevent regulatory capture, conflicts of interest, or practices that undermine Nigeria’s industrial and economic potential.
“At a time of widespread economic hardship, ANEEJ stresses that Nigeria cannot afford regulatory failures or opacity in a sector as strategic as petroleum. Transparent governance, strong institutions, and accountability are essential to restoring confidence, attracting investment, and protecting the welfare of citizens.
“ANEEJ urges all stakeholders, including government officials, regulators, industry players, civil society organisations, and the media, to support this call for an independent investigation and to place the national interest above all other considerations,” the statementemphasised.