"$5 Million Tuition Dispute: Lawmakers Urge Dangote to Halt Attacks on NMDPRA CEO Ahmed"

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Emergency Meeting
• Concerns Raised
• Appeal to Both Parties
• Critical Issues in the Industry
• Conclusion

The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has intervened in the escalating conflict between Aliko Dangote, the President of Dangote Group, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The committee has called on both parties to halt any further public disputes.

The committee convened an emergency meeting with Dangote and the Chief Executive Officer of the NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, urging them to pause their disagreement until legislative measures can be taken.

Ikenga Ugochinyere, the committee chairman, stated that the decision to summon both parties was prompted by the increasing tension resulting from allegations and counter-allegations exchanged between Dangote and the regulatory authority.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Ugochinyere expressed his concern that this dispute could jeopardize the fragile stability recently achieved in the downstream petroleum sector.

“The primary reason for this emergency meeting was the escalating tension in the downstream sector, following concerns raised by Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the NMDPRA,” he said.

“This situation arises at a time when the committee is diligently working to maintain the stability attained in the sector.”

He clarified that the National Assembly can only facilitate lasting solutions by first understanding the underlying causes of the disagreement.

“We can only uncover sustainable solutions when we accurately identify the key issues driving this tension. That is why the committee decided to invite Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the leadership of the NMDPRA to clarify the motivations behind these allegations and counter-allegations,” Ugochinyere explained.

The committee chairman also urged both parties to avoid media exchanges while the House conducts its intervention, cautioning that ongoing public discourse could exacerbate the situation.

“We have resolved to appeal to the conflicting parties to cease hostilities, particularly in the media, to prevent further escalation. The committee is equipped to address these matters effectively,” he added.

Ugochinyere revealed that the committee has already received petitions highlighting significant concerns within the industry, including the issuance of import licenses and doubts regarding the capacity of domestic refineries to meet Nigeria’s daily petroleum needs.

“These are serious matters. Some pertain to import licenses, while others address the capability of local refineries to fulfill national demand,” he noted.

He assured that all outstanding issues will be thoroughly investigated when Dangote, the NMDPRA, and other key stakeholders appear before the committee.

“Once all parties engage with the committee, we will gain a clearer understanding of the situation and formulate resolutions that provide sustainable solutions for the sector,” he stated.

Reiterating the committee’s plea, Ugochinyere urged all parties to refrain from further accusations in the interest of the nation.

“We ask them to stop any further attacks on one another, whether from the regulatory agency or the refining community, while the committee works to resolve these issues,” he added.

According to DAILY POST, Dangote and Ahmed clashed after Dangote accused Ahmed of economic sabotage, claiming he had paid $5 million in tuition fees for his children.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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