Connect with us

Columns

Dangote refinery: when it rains it pours.

Published

on

Dangote refinery: when it rains it pours.

By Tahir Ibrahim Tahir Talban Bauchi.

When it rains it pours is the best phrase to describe what is happening to the Dangote refinery, as it grapples with one challenge after the other, especially as it prepares for the take-off of the PMS component of its refining processes.

Dangote refinery is the largest investment by a Nigerian in Nigeria in perhaps our entire history.
The investment is valued at $20 billion.

The land purchase alone cost $100 million, with another $420 million spent on revamping and reconstruction of the swamp to make it viable for the construction of the refinery. That is close to a trillion naira in land preparation and pre-construction expenditure.

A port had to be built to accommodate the size of the refinery’s equipment and parts, including building a power plant with the capacity of supplying 1500 MW of electricity. Also, a highway had to be constructed for the delivery of equipments from the port to the refinery, along with the development of 125 kms of pipeline for the delivery of crude oil to the refinery.

The conceptualisation of the project was done over 15 years ago, with its construction taking atleast 7 to 8 years. Industry experts worldwide had warned Alh. Aliko Dangote that it was a crazy project, he admits. He did see the crazy it was when he started, as the challenges ballooned in number and size. Indeed he was ‘crazier’ enough to accomplish its development.

The real crazy now are the impediments and bottlenecks he is facing, as he battles to actualize the aspiration of solving Nigeria’s perennial problem of importing petroleum products, as an oil producing country.

At first it was the International Oil Companies, IOCs, refusing to sell crude to the Dangote refinery, or selling at about $6 more than global prices.

The NUPRC, Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission had to wade in to secure oil supply for the refinery. Then oil dealers were at it, charging as high as $4 as agency fees, again, against global practices.
The government had to step up against the IOCs and it seemed that it was a resolved issue. Then came a fire incident in the refinery which has caused atleast a month’s delay in the production of PMS, known as petrol, which is what the Nigerian populace is earnestly yearning for, from the refinery.

The entry of Dangote refinery into the diesel market has caused for a reduction of diesel prices by about 60%. This has definitely upset the diesel importation industry and has bloated the number of individuals and cabals coming against the Dangote refinery. Despite all these challenges, the refinery seemed to be on course to deliver petrol to the Nigerian market. But the ‘crazy’ in the industry has probably just set in again, and said, not so fast Dangote!

Very scathing remarks, uncharacteristic of an umpire, were made by the CEO of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency, NMDPRA, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, which cast aspersions on the standards, productivity and even the viability of the Dangote refinery.
He castigated the Sulphur content of the diesel from Dangote refinery, putting it at between 650-1200 ppm.

A visit by the Speaker of the House of Representatives on a fact finding mission confirmed that it was at 87.6 ppm. Dangote clarified that they were on their way to declaring a content of 10 ppm. Further testing from other filling stations proved that Dangote refinery’s diesel was far more superior in sulphur content.

There’s also the other parameter of the flashpoint, with Dangote’s diesel recording 90° celsius, compared to other marketers whose product recorded between 40° to 70° celsius. The recommended standard is 66° celsius, further proving that Dangote’s diesel was the best in the market. The Dangote lab for the testing was accredited by the same NMDPRA in March, 2024. NMDPRA knows that as a new refinery, the earliest stages of production would definitely have a high sulphur content compared to subsequent or continued production.

The CEO of NMDPRA also said that the refinery was at 45% completion. As a regulator, he is well aware of the stages involved in the completion of the refinery, where all the products it is designed to produce, can be actually processed and produced by the refinery. For now, two major products are set to be available to the Nigerian market, with one already in use. It is supposed to be in stages. So what was the statement meant to achieve? He also called the refinery a monopoly, while infact, several other modular refineries have been licensed, with quite a number in production.

He lamented that Dangote wanted fuel imports stopped. But isn’t that the desire of every Nigerian? Well of course minus those that make a kill, importing petroleum products, killing our local refineries. NNPC Ltd. says atleast one of their refineries would be producing petroleum products by September this year. In a market where there are multiple producers, how does Dangote refinery amount to a monopoly?

He also complained that Dangote’s refinery is a threat to the energy security of the country. Under the importation regime, we have suffered 3 fuel scarcities in the last 6 months alone. So where is the security in importation? Are we not better off with a steady supply from Dangote? Afterall the refinery is building a storage capacity to have almost a billion litres of petrol in storage.

The CEO’s remarks are in bad light and look like an attempt to demarket the Dangote refinery. Unfortunately it has backfired and has pitched the Nigerian people to stand solidly behind Dangote. It is rare for the people to rally behind a super rich man like Aliko, but what the refinery stands for, is much larger than Aliko Dangote. It stands for the industrialisation of Africa. It stands to change our fortunes, in terms of the hardship and exploitation that we have suffered, over a product in our backyard, that has refused to be available in our front yard. Those comments paint the CEO of NMDPRA as one against the success story of the refinery, and the solutions it stands to bring to one of our biggest problems. The gains are too numerous to mention. From fx gains, to employment, to ending scarcities and black marketing.. there are far too many merits to this project, than the cries of monopoly and what have you. We’d rather be monopolised by our own citizen, than continue to be the dumping ground of oil dealers around the world, that have made our country their cash cow, milking us as they please.

It looks like Dangote’s fuel will be cheaper, just like his diesel, and some dealers don’t want that to happen. With those statements by the umpire, investors are being pushed away.

Steel investments by the Dangote group have now been abandoned due to those unsavory statements. What does it tell other investors around the world about us?

Tahir is Talban Bauchi.

Dangote refinery: when it rains it pours.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Columns

Birthday Celebrations: Ageless Plus One They Puke

Published

on

Birthday Celebrations: Ageless Plus One They Puke

By: Balami Lazarus

As I write this piece, I was caught between the beautiful literary works of two great African poets and not knowing who to quote because they say the same thing poetically in different ways, going by their subject matter. As the writing progresses, I will definitely make reference to one of them to qualify this discourse.

The “Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead” I read recently has explicitly expressed our individual differences exhibited by man in lifestyles and even in death. The book written in spell said that even in death, individuals are different.

I hereby believe that some persons are battling with parents, relatives, friends, and acquaintances who are trying to impose their ways of life and styles on them, refusing to accept the fact that likes and dislikes make us different as humans. When I got to understand myself as an individual adult who has a mind of his own, making me positively different, that was the beginning of my journey to self-freedom as an individual.

As humans, we are physically the same, but we easily forget that you and I are entirely different. I have always tried to single myself out from the crowd to make a difference in terms of things that are personal and not against the law. With this in mind, I have developed a very strong, self-independent mindset, which has made me principled, and I don’t play to the gallery. That has also made me stand out like an inselberg mountain. However, for the purpose of family, collective responsibilities, and public interest, I must stoop with love and understanding for the sake of progress, growth, and development.

Therefore, my dislike for birthday celebrations makes me different from you or anyone out there. Moreover, it is of no value to me as I live. With this, I recalled when a young school pupil was asked at a children’s program, Would you like to be like Aliko Dangote ?

He answered and said, “No, we are different.” For me, that was a brilliant answer, for it entails so many things.

I have long disciplined and have control of my mind, body, and soul to outgrow so many things that are not necessary or important for me to either have , do, or use. This has helped me to brush aside and ignore so many things. Perhaps for the purpose of association or friendship, I might like or admire some things about the individual concerned, but the fact remains I will not and shall never be you nor do as you do because even in death—funeral/burial—we are different.

Most birthdays are celebrated empty of how old the celebrants are because they are ageless. What is the rationale behind this?. Does it make sense? . My father, of blessed memory, was good at record keeping. He taught us, as his children, to be mindful of important dates and years for future use and documentation. He further reminded us that “your birthday has been properly celebrated during your naming ceremony. Why another birthday celebratio”n?

I have seen where some people took birthday celebrations as if they were a personal achievement, and some even took offense when you did not identify with them by either phone calls , text messages, or other social media handles. Shamelessly, few among these individuals confront you with the anger of a black mamba showing all over them as if it were an obligation to celebrate with them on this self-meaningless and childish glee, which I see as generational encroachment because as a mature adult, you no longer need such celebration. This is my opinion.

I will not conclude this article without telling readers that I do attend ceremonies like Thanksgiving, graduations, award presentations, marriages, namings, and funerals, among other important events, but not birthday celebrations; that is always Plus (+) One, year in and year out. What is a burlesque? And this brings me to where I will have to quote one of the two African poets, Wole Soyinka and John Pepper Clark (Abikus). Suffice to say, Plus (+) One is like the Abiku in Wole Soyinka’s poem “I am Abiku calling for the first… repeated time , ageless though our puke.” This is the way of many birthday celebrants .

Finally, I smell the spoor of some readers saying in their minds that this writer is out of date , a bushman, socially bankrupt, and does not belong. I guess I am right . Well, in recollection, calmness, and stillness, I stand to say we are different.

Balami, a publisher/columnist 08036779290.

Birthday Celebrations: Ageless Plus One They Puke

Continue Reading

Columns

RE: SDP ‘now Nigeria’s new bride’? 

Published

on

RE: SDP ‘now Nigeria’s new bride’? 

RE: SDP ‘now Nigeria’s new bride’? 

By: Dr. James Bwala

This caption drew my attention as I woke up this morning. “SDP is now Nigeria’s ‘new bride’; we’re ready to unseat Tinubu in 2027.” Mr. Dogara, an official, described the SDP as “the new bride of Nigeria,” claiming the party’s membership is growing rapidly across the country. “I was supposed to be surprised, but I laughed so hilariously knowing the political landscape we are operating in and how some people can turn in their dreams and hold on to a belief that they are still kings as they were in that dreamland. 

The metaphor of a “new bride” in political discourse often symbolizes freshness, hope, and transformative potential within a political landscape. In Nigeria, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) emerged as one such entity purported to represent renewal and progressive change. However, despite this symbolic promise, the SDP lacks substantive impact in Nigeria’s complex political environment. The party’s existence does not translate into genuine institutional reform or meaningful democratic consolidation. Instead, Nigerian politics remains marred by entrenched issues such as corruption, ethnic divisions, and electoral malpractice that hinder any new political actor from effecting substantial change.

Moreover, the SDP’s inability to distinguish itself from established parties suggests that it fails to embody the qualities associated with a “new bride.” Rather than offering innovative policies or an alternative governance model, it appears as another participant in Nigeria’s cyclical political stagnation. Consequently, while multiple avenues exist to identify a “new bride” politically—such as ideological novelty or reformist zeal—the SDP conspicuously lacks these attributes in contemporary Nigerian politics. 

Despite its initial allure, the SDP’s platform lacks the ideological clarity and policy depth necessary to challenge Nigeria’s entrenched political norms. In essence, the SDP’s failure to articulate a distinct political vision or leverage grassroots support further underscores its inadequacy as an agent of change within Nigeria’s entrenched political system. Furthermore, the SDP’s lack of strategic alliances and failure to galvanize a broad-based coalition further diminishes its potential as a transformative political force in Nigeria. 

The party’s lack of a coherent strategy to address Nigeria’s pressing socio-economic challenges further exacerbates its inability to resonate with the electorate and establish itself as a credible alternative. Without a compelling narrative or a robust grassroots engagement strategy, the SDP remains ill-equipped to navigate and influence the complex political terrain of Nigeria, leaving them in stark contrast to what one might expect from a truly revitalizing political entity. 

The SDP’s inability to distinguish itself from the existing political framework further limits its capacity to attract voters seeking genuine change. Moreover, the absence of a clear and compelling policy agenda not only hinders the SDP’s ability to differentiate itself from established parties but also limits its appeal to a populace yearning for substantive political reform. Without a clear vision or innovative approach, the SDP’s efforts to engage with Nigeria’s diverse electorate remain superficial and largely ineffective. 

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/the-plight-of-farida/

The party’s failure to articulate a clear stance on key national issues, such as corruption and electoral reform, further alienates it from voters who are desperate for meaningful progress and accountability in governance. The SDP’s struggle to resonate with the electorate is exacerbated by its lack of charismatic leadership. 

Compounding this issue is the party’s inability to effectively leverage grassroots movements or build a robust network of support at the community level. Moreover, the party’s outdated strategies and lack of engagement with Nigeria’s youthful population further diminish its appeal as a viable alternative to the entrenched political entities. This is further compounded by the SDP’s failure to articulate a clear and compelling vision that distinguishes it from established parties, leaving it adrift in a sea of political sameness.

SDP’s inability to leverage its historical significance and past achievements has rendered it almost invisible in a rapidly evolving political environment. Lacking the dynamic qualities and fresh perspectives typically associated with a ‘new bride,’ the SDP struggles to captivate the electorate’s imagination or promise substantial change in Nigeria’s political discourse. In a political landscape where the electorate is increasingly seeking genuine transformation and innovative solutions, the SDP’s inability to adapt and present a forward-thinking agenda leaves it struggling to remain relevant. 

Without a strategic overhaul and a willingness to embrace innovation, the SDP risks fading into irrelevance as voters gravitate towards parties that offer tangible solutions and visionary leadership. The SDP’s inability to resonate with the aspirations of a diverse and dynamic electorate underscores its struggle to remain pertinent in Nigeria’s competitive political arena. 

Despite these challenges, the SDP continues to participate in elections, albeit with diminishing influence and limited success. Such circumstances underscore the necessity for the SDP to undergo a transformative renewal, one that prioritizes innovative policies and embraces the dynamic energy of Nigeria’s younger generation. Engaging with the youth through meaningful dialogue and showcasing a commitment to addressing their concerns could potentially revitalize the party’s image and reconnect it with a demographic that is pivotal for electoral success. 

By fostering an environment that encourages the participation of emerging leaders and by aligning its policies with the progressive aspirations of the populace, the SDP could potentially redefine its role in Nigeria’s political future. By doing so, the SDP may not only rejuvenate its appeal but also position itself as a credible alternative capable of driving meaningful change in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape. For now, contrary to its claims and dreams of unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, according to Abubakar Dogara, the party’s national vice chairman for the North-Central Zone, the party needs to look inward and look at the vast grounds they are dreaming of breaking to make an impact in 2027.

*James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

RE: SDP ‘now Nigeria’s new bride’? 

Continue Reading

Columns

VP Kashim Shettima: Fate, Faith, and Lessons (1) 

Published

on

VP Kashim Shettima

VP Kashim Shettima: Fate, Faith, and Lessons (1) 

By: Dr. James Bwala

Vice President Kashim Shettima’s political trajectory is emblematic of the intricate interplay between fate, faith, and the lessons derived from Nigeria’s fraught political landscape. His ascent to the vice presidency amid a controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket underscores the delicate balance he must maintain in a deeply religious and ethnically diverse nation. This position has thrust him into debates about inclusivity and representation, compelling him to advocate for equitable power-sharing despite prevailing sectarian tensions.

Shettima’s public endorsement of a Southern Christian Senate President, even at the expense of perceived meritocracy, reflects his commitment to national unity over narrow religious or regional interests. Such gestures reveal an understanding that faith should foster cohesion rather than division—a lesson critical in Nigeria’s volatile sociopolitical climate. However, this idealism exists against a backdrop where governance often appears disengaged from citizens’ urgent needs. This disconnect between leadership and citizenry challenges Shettima to bridge the gap, urging him to align his actions with the foundational values of empathy and accountability that can steer Nigeria towards a more inclusive future.

Ultimately, Shettima’s experience illustrates how personal conviction and political pragmatism coalesce within leadership roles constrained by structural violence and historical grievances. His journey teaches that navigating Nigeria’s complexities demands not only strategic acumen but also an unwavering faith in dialogue and inclusivity as tools for lasting peace. In this context, Shettima’s leadership journey serves as a testament to the necessity of balancing personal beliefs with the broader imperative of fostering national unity. His efforts underscore a critical lesson: that sustainable governance in Nigeria hinges on leaders who prioritize collective well-being over entrenched divisions. His leadership demonstrates the critical importance of empathy and a genuine commitment to national progress in overcoming deep-seated challenges that threaten Nigeria’s stability. 

His ability to navigate these challenges with a focus on dialogue and inclusivity not only affirms his commitment to national progress but also exemplifies the potential for leadership that transcends personal and political divides. His leadership approach, characterized by a deliberate effort to embrace diversity and promote equitable representation, reflects an understanding that Nigeria’s future hinges on the strength of its unity. His vision for a unified Nigeria, though ambitious, is a necessary pursuit in a nation where historical divisions have too often been exploited for political gain. 

Shettima’s advocacy for equitable political representation, as evidenced by his controversial yet principled stance on promoting a Southern Christian Senate President to ensure balance and inclusivity, further illustrates his dedication to transcending religious and regional divides. This commitment to bridging divides is a testament to his belief in a Nigeria where leadership is defined by the ability to rise above entrenched sectarian loyalties and foster an environment of mutual respect and cooperation. Shettima’s approach is not merely theoretical; it is grounded in a pragmatic understanding of Nigeria’s complex political landscape and the pressing need for leaders who can navigate these intricacies with both wisdom and courage. 

The Vice President remained committed by prioritizing national unity and inclusivity, even when faced with potential backlash from entrenched interests. By demonstrating a willingness to engage with diverse communities and advocate for equitable representation, Shettima exemplifies how faith can be harnessed as a unifying force rather than a divisive tool. By prioritizing a leadership style that embraces diversity, Shettima challenges the status quo and inspires hope for a political culture that values cooperation over conflict. 

This vision aligns with the notion that true leadership requires courage to enact meaningful change and a dedication to principles that transcend immediate political expediency. By fostering an inclusive political environment, Shettima not only highlights the potential for faith to act as a bridge across divides but also demonstrates an understanding that true progress in Nigeria hinges on leaders who are willing to prioritize long-term national stability over short-term political gains, a sentiment echoed by those who champion the need for leaders who embody both integrity and a vision for inclusive governance. 

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/national-orthopaedic-hospital-jalingo-gets-chief-medical-director/

Shettima’s approach to governance, marked by a deliberate effort to balance religious and regional representation, serves as a testament to his belief in the power of inclusive politics to foster national cohesion. By navigating the complex interplay of religion and politics with a focus on fairness and representation, Shettima underscores the potential for faith to facilitate dialogue and mutual respect among Nigeria’s diverse populace. Shettima’s efforts to promote inclusivity and balance in political appointments, as evidenced by his advocacy for a Southern Christian Senate President despite potential controversy, reflect his commitment to fostering national unity and countering religious bias. Shettima’s vision for governance, therefore, emphasizes the importance of transcending religious and regional biases to create a political landscape where diverse voices contribute to national development. 

His advocacy for equitable representation is a pragmatic approach to addressing the historical imbalances that have often fueled distrust and division among Nigeria’s ethnic and religious groups. His leadership philosophy, thus, not only challenges the status quo but also aims to redefine the political narrative by fostering an environment where every Nigerian feels represented and valued. Shettima’s leadership, therefore, becomes a beacon of hope in a political landscape often marred by division and distrust. 

In this context, Shettima’s leadership is not only a reflection of his personal beliefs but also a strategic response to the broader challenges of religious bigotry and political imbalance in Nigeria. His approach, as observed in his recent initiatives, is a testament to his belief that sustainable progress can only be achieved through genuine collaboration and understanding among Nigeria’s multifaceted communities. Shettima’s endeavors, as highlighted by his leadership style, underscore a profound understanding that true progress in Nigeria is contingent upon dismantling the barriers of division and fostering a culture of cooperation and mutual respect among its citizens. His advocacy of balanced initiatives has sparked significant discussion, illustrating his willingness to prioritize national unity over parochial interests.

Shettima’s efforts to promote inclusivity and balance in political representation highlight his commitment to addressing the deep-seated issues of religious and ethnic division, demonstrating a leadership style that prioritizes unity over divisiveness. Shettima’s vision for a more cohesive Nigeria is not without its challenges, yet it reflects a strategic foresight that prioritizes long-term stability over short-term gains. His dedication to fostering a more inclusive political landscape is further reinforced by his efforts to engage with leaders across different regions and religious affiliations, promoting dialogue as a means to bridge the gaps that have long hindered national cohesion. 

His actions resonate with a broader vision for a united Nigeria, where diversity is celebrated as a strength rather than perceived as an obstacle to progress. His approach, rooted in both fate and faith, suggests that leadership can transcend entrenched divisions by embracing a broader vision of national identity that is inclusive and equitable for all citizens. 

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

VP Kashim Shettima: Fate, Faith, and Lessons (1) 

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights