By Udeme Akpan, Energy Editor

Contrary to speculation, NNPC Ltd. has stated that it did not hinder the construction and operation of the $20 billion Dangote refinery.

Instead, the company claims to have gone above and beyond to support the project as a 7.25% shareholder.

In a recent media chat, Executive Vice President (Downstream) Dapo Segun emphasized that NNPC’s equity stake in the refinery makes it illogical for the company to frustrate the project. “NNPC has supported the Dangote refinery as a shareholder should. We’ve gone out of our way to ensure its success.”

Segun attributed delays in crude supply to standard business transactions, stating that terms and conditions guide every deal. “Negotiations took days, but we reached conclusions. We’re running a business, and everything is according to the signed terms and conditions.”

Chief Corporate Communications Officer Olufemi Soneye added that NNPC Ltd. has begun deploying trucks and vessels to the Dangote Refinery to lift PMS, in preparation for the scheduled lifting date of September 15th.

Executive Secretary of DAPPMAN, Olufemi Adewole, confirmed that they have been lifting diesel and aviation fuel and look forward to lifting petrol once pricing mode clarity is provided.

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, noted that structuring the deal in Naira will help reduce pressure on the local currency.”