The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is facing scrutiny over its recent announcement of exporting fuel oil from the Port Harcourt refinery to a Dubai-based company. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the public are demanding transparency, questioning the deal’s legitimacy and the chosen partner’s history.
- NNPCL exports first fuel oil cargo from Port Harcourt refinery to Dubai.
- Anti-corruption body and public raise concerns about transparency and company’s past.
- Nigerians demand details of the deal be made public amidst economic hardships.
Fuel Export Deal Under Fire
NNPCL announced the export of 15,000 metric tonnes of low-sulphur straight-run fuel oil (LSSR) to Gulf Transport & Trading Limited (GTT), a Dubai-based firm. This move, touted as a marker of the Port Harcourt refinery’s operational restart, has been met with skepticism. The NACC has called for the public release of the export agreement, citing GTT’s previous involvement in crude oil swap deals with NNPCL and questioning the company’s capacity to handle such a large shipment.
Questions About GTT’s Role
The NACC’s coordinator, Mr. Samson Idoko, expressed doubts about GTT’s suitability as the recipient of Nigeria’s exported oil, given its past involvement in crude oil swaps. The small scale of GTT’s operations in Dubai has also raised concerns about its ability to manage a significant import of fuel oil from Nigeria. The commission has questioned whether this deal truly represents a successful restart of the Port Harcourt refinery or another opaque transaction.
Public Demands Transparency
As Nigerians continue to face economic challenges following the removal of fuel subsidies, the public is demanding increased accountability from NNPCL. The lack of media access to the loading process of the *Wonder Star MR1* vessel, designated to carry the fuel oil shipment, has further fueled suspicions. The NACC insists on media coverage to substantiate the export claim, emphasizing the public’s right to know about NNPCL’s dealings, especially in light of the current economic climate.
NNPCL’s Response
NNPCL has yet to fully address the public’s concerns or provide the requested documentation. This silence only amplifies the skepticism surrounding the deal. The situation highlights the importance of transparency and open communication in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, particularly as the country strives to stabilize its energy market and alleviate economic pressures on its citizens.
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