Mallam Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), has swiftly responded to Aliko Dangote’s recent claims. Dangote, the President of Dangote Group, alleged that certain NNPC personnel were involved in establishing a blending plant in Malta, hindering local procurement of petroleum products.

Kyari took to social media to clarify his position, stating, “I do not own or operate any business directly or by proxy anywhere in the world with the exception of a local mini Agric venture. Neither am I aware of any employee of the NNPC that owns or operates a blending plant in Malta or anywhere else in the world.”

He further emphasized that such offshore operations have no influence over NNPC’s business decisions. Kyari assured that the NNPC’s compliance sanction grid would apply to any employee found involved in such activities. He recommended that individuals engaged in such practices be declared publicly and reported to relevant government security agencies to safeguard national energy security.

This controversy arises against the backdrop of changes in NNPC’s investment strategy concerning the Dangote Refinery. The NNPC’s stake in the refinery has recently reduced to 7.2% from the initially planned 20%, reflecting the company’s decision to cap its investment at the amount already paid.