The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to suspend the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, due to allegations related to his statements about sulphur levels in diesel fuel.
The House’s decision follows a motion of urgent public importance put forward by Esosa Iyawe, a representative of Esosa Federal Constituency in Edo State, during Tuesday’s plenary session. The motion addresses concerns arising from Ahmed’s comments regarding the nation’s local refineries.
Iyawe emphasized the importance of thoroughly investigating claims of adulterated fuel in the Nigerian market. He pointed out that poor fuel quality, particularly with high sulphur content, can significantly damage engine hardware. This is why ultra-low sulphur diesel is recommended for various applications, including power plants, storage tanks, industrial facilities, fleets, heavy equipment, and ships. High sulphur content in fuels not only damages engines but also contributes to air pollution.
Recognizing the risks associated with sulphur, many countries have implemented stringent standards to regulate its emissions. These standards require diesel producers to adhere to maximum reduction guidelines to minimize environmental and health impacts. Despite these global efforts, the Labour Party lawmaker noted that the NMDPRA allows local refiners to produce diesel with sulphur content of up to 650 parts per million (ppm) until January 2025, as approved by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
During the plenary, Iyawe highlighted a controversial statement made by the NMDPRA boss, who claimed that the diesel produced by the Dangote Refinery was inferior to imported diesel, citing a high sulphur content of between 650 and 1,200 ppm. In response, Dangote Refinery called for an independent test of their diesel products, which was supervised by members of the House of Representatives. The test revealed that Dangote’s diesel had a sulphur content of 87.6 ppm, whereas the imported samples showed sulphur levels exceeding 1800 ppm and 2000 ppm, respectively. These results disproved the allegations made by the NMDPRA CEO.
The situation has raised serious concerns among Nigerians. Allegations have surfaced that the NMDPRA has been granting licenses to traders who import high-sulphur content diesel into Nigeria. The use of such diesel poses significant health risks and results in substantial financial losses for Nigerians. The unguarded statements by Farouk Ahmed, which have since been debunked, sparked outrage among Nigerians. Many viewed his comments as undermining local refineries and promoting the continued importation of substandard fuel, an act seen as economic sabotage due to the harmful compounds present in the imported products.
Iyawe condemned Farouk Ahmed’s statements, describing them as careless and unprofessional. He criticized Ahmed for making such claims without conducting prior investigations, calling his actions unpatriotic, especially given the recent calls for protests against the Federal Government.
The controversy has prompted a joint committee of the House of Representatives to commence an investigation into the allegations made by Farouk Ahmed against the Dangote Refinery. This investigation, which began on Monday, July 22, 2024, involves the Committees on Petroleum (Downstream and Midstream). The panel is conducting a legislative forensic investigation into the presence of middlemen in crude trading and the alleged lack of international standard laboratories to check for adulterated products, among other issues.
The House of Representatives’ call for the suspension of the NMDPRA CEO highlights the critical importance of addressing issues related to fuel quality and sulphur content in diesel. The health and environmental implications of high sulphur levels are severe, necessitating strict regulation and oversight. Countries worldwide have recognized the dangers of sulphur and have taken steps to limit its presence in fuels. Nigeria must follow suit to protect the health of its citizens and the integrity of its environment.
The situation underscores the need for comprehensive policies and stringent enforcement to ensure that fuel quality standards are met. This includes regulating sulphur content in diesel and holding regulatory authorities accountable for their actions. The controversy also highlights the importance of supporting local refineries, like the Dangote Refinery, which has demonstrated its ability to produce low-sulphur diesel that meets international standards.
Moving forward, it is essential for the Federal Government and relevant authorities to prioritize the health and safety of Nigerians by ensuring that all fuel products in the market meet the required standards. This includes conducting regular inspections, enforcing compliance with regulations, and taking swift action against those who violate these standards. Additionally, public awareness campaigns can help educate consumers about the importance of using low-sulphur fuels and the risks associated with high-sulphur diesel.
he House of Representatives’ call to suspend the NMDPRA CEO over the sulphur controversy is a significant step towards addressing the critical issue of fuel quality in Nigeria. By taking decisive action and implementing stringent regulations, Nigeria can reduce the health and environmental impacts of high-sulphur fuels, protect its citizens, and promote the sustainable development of its energy sector.