Nigeria’s House of Representatives has called for the suspension of Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). This demand comes amid growing controversy over Ahmed’s remarks concerning the quality of petroleum products from Dangote Refinery.
The call for Ahmed’s suspension was made by the House following the adoption of a motion by Esosa Iyawe, which highlighted concerns over the dispute between Dangote Refinery and NMDPRA.
Iyawe stressed the importance of ultra-low sulfur diesel, which is recommended for various industrial and transportation applications. He noted that high sulfur content in fuels can damage engines and contribute to serious environmental issues, including air pollution.
Iyawe also pointed out the severe health impacts of sulfur dioxide, which can harm the respiratory system, impair lung function, and even lead to cancer.
The lawmaker criticized Ahmed’s statements, which have been refuted, arguing that they undermined local refineries and promoted the importation of potentially harmful fuel products. This, Iyawe claimed, amounted to economic sabotage, given the high levels of dangerous compounds in imported fuels.
The House Committee on Midstream and Downstream has initiated an investigation into the conflict between Ahmed and Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of Dangote Group. This follows Ahmed’s recent comments, which have fueled a barrage of accusations from both sides.
