ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government of Nigeria announced on Monday, June 19, 2023, that it has granted approval to six new companies to import petroleum products into the country.
The disclosure was made by the Managing Director of Nigeria Mainstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDRA, Farouk Ahmed, during a press briefing with state correspondents at the Presidential Villa.
Ahmed revealed that apart from the approved six, several other companies have submitted applications to import petroleum products, and they will be considered in due course.
He noted that the NMDRA was open to all interested parties in the importation process.
Dismissing rumours that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC, had given approval to Dangote Group to import petroleum, Ahmed clarified that the NNPC does not have the authority to grant such approval.
This responsibility, he explained, lies solely with the NMDRA.
“There are six companies who said they want to import fuel in July. Of course, all the others may import in December, November, or anytime, but those who expressed interest to bring in fuel in July there were six of them as of this morning,” Ahmed stated.
He added that the willingness of these companies to import fuel indicates their ability to access foreign exchange for the importation.
Ahmed further reassured the public of a stable supply of fuel, pointing out that the NNPC has 30 days of fuel sufficiency, so there is no anticipation of any supply or distribution gap.
As the situation progresses, Ahmed promised regular updates on the achievements and progress made in this direction.
