Table of Contents
- Accusation Against Aliko Dangote
- Dismissal of Babagana Kyari
- Regulatory Changes
- The $5 Million Allegation
- Market Control and Monopoly
- Refinery Pricing Concerns
- Call for Investigation
Human rights advocate and attorney, Deji Adeyanju, has accused billionaire entrepreneur Aliko Dangote of exerting excessive influence over Nigeria’s Federal Government in an effort to strengthen his monopoly in the oil industry.
In a statement, Adeyanju claimed that Dangote was instrumental in the termination of former Presidential aide Babagana Kyari after Kyari allegedly declined to fulfill all of Dangote’s requests following the inauguration of his Ibeju-Lekki refinery.
According to Adeyanju, several major regulators within the petroleum sector have been dismissed under similar pressures.
Adeyanju stressed that the controversy regarding an alleged $5 million payment by the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, for his children’s education in Switzerland should not be allowed to fade away.
“The $5 million allegation against Dangote must not be forgotten, even if an investigation ultimately reveals that no such payment occurred,” Adeyanju stated.
“This is not merely a moral issue; it concerns market control and monopolization. The Federal Government must resist economic coercion and maintain its authority.”
He reiterated that Nigeria’s petroleum sector is regulated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which encourages a competitive free market and prevents monopolistic practices.
Adeyanju criticized the pricing of Dangote’s refinery products, pointing out that locally refined goods in Ibeju-Lekki are priced higher than imported fuel from nations like Argentina and Brazil, and he raised concerns about the possibility of some of his products being substandard.
“No one forced Dangote to construct a single-line refinery of this magnitude. Investment comes with risks, and Nigerians should not have to endure higher costs or fewer choices under the pretense of patriotism,” he remarked.
Adeyanju called on all anti-corruption agencies to investigate the alleged $5 million expenditure and to determine whether any bribes were offered or declined, emphasizing that a comprehensive inquiry is crucial to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What allegations has Deji Adeyanju made against Aliko Dangote?
Deji Adeyanju has accused Aliko Dangote of manipulating the Federal Government to strengthen his monopoly in the oil sector and being involved in the dismissal of former Presidential aide Babagana Kyari.
What is the significance of the $5 million allegation?
The $5 million allegation involves a claim that Farouk Ahmed, CEO of NMDPRA, made a payment for his children's education in Switzerland, which Adeyanju believes must be thoroughly investigated regardless of the outcome.
What does Adeyanju believe about the pricing of Dangote's refined products?
Adeyanju has criticized the pricing of products from Dangote's refinery, asserting that they are more expensive than imported fuels from countries such as Argentina and Brazil, and he questions the quality of some of these products.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
