This comes amid reports that South Africa and other African countries were lobbying the Dangote refinery for improved fuel supplies. Our correspondent reminded the official that the NMDPRA had repeatedly debunked claims that it granted import licences to marketers this year, but the source insisted that import licences were still being issued. “I’m sure that you saw my president’s statement that at least six companies have been given import licences. Today we have a refinery that meets our requirements,” he said, referring to the Dangote refinery. He also expressed support for the suspension of import licences, describing it as necessary to encourage domestic refining capacity.

Source: Punch March 23, 2026 13:16 UTC