Agbakoba Warns NNPC Against Taking Over Dangote Refinery

Agbakoba Warns NNPC Against Taking Over Dangote Refinery: Renowned lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olisa Agbakoba,

has strongly advised the Nigerian National Petroleum Company

Limited (NNPCL) against taking over the Dangote Refinery. Agbakoba’s

warning comes in response to billionaire businessman

Aliko Dangote’s suggestion that the government should buy his refinery

to end accusations of monopoly. Dangote made the comment amidst

controversy surrounding his 650,000 barrels per day refinery,

which has been criticized by the Nigerian Midstream and

Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for producing inferior fuels.

Agbakoba disagreed with the idea of a government takeover, questioning

why the state should assume control of a privately built refinery

when it has failed to maintain its own refineries. He emphasized that

the solution lies in fixing Nigeria’s refineries and providing essential

services like electricity, water, healthcare, education, roads, and food.

Agbakoba believes this approach would end the perceived monopoly and boost the nation’s refining capacity, ultimately eliminating fuel importation.

the expert

The legal expert expressed support for Dangote and local refineries,

urging the government to focus on overhauling the energy sector and

regulatory framework, as he recently advised President Bola Tinubu.

Agbakoba’s stance highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach

to addressing the country’s energy challenges, rather than relying on a

single refinery or government takeover. By prioritizing infrastructure

development and supporting private enterprise, Nigeria can achieve energy security and economic growth.

the argument

Agbakoba’s argument is rooted in the principle of promoting private sector investment and encouraging entrepreneurship. He believes that the government should

create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, rather than taking

over private assets. This approach would foster healthy competition,

drive innovation, and ultimately benefit the Nigerian people. In contrast,

a government takeover would perpetuate the culture of state control and

stifle innovation. Agbakoba’s stance has sparked a national conversation on the role of government in the energy sector and the need for a more nuanced approach to addressing the country’s energy challenges.