Emir Sanusi Criticizes Frustration of Dangote Refinery Amidst Dispute with NNPCL
Abuja, Nigeria – Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has expressed concern over the ongoing frustrations faced by Dangote Refinery, attributing them to vested interests. The former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) lamented that despite the potential benefits of Nigeria producing its own refined petroleum products, certain elements seem intent on hampering the refinery’s progress.
Sanusi made these remarks on Wednesday during the launch of the book Public Policy and Agents’ Interests: Perspectives From The Emerging World, co-authored by former Minister of Finance, Shamshudeen Usman, among others. He reflected on the current impasse between Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), who have been locked in a standoff over crude oil supply and pricing.
“For years, Nigeria has relied on importing petroleum products, an inefficient and costly practice,” the Emir stated. “This was an opportunity for the country to wean itself from that dependence. Instead of embracing this chance, vested interests are frustrating the process.”
Emir Sanusi hinted that these vested interests could be both international and local, accusing them of profiting from Nigeria’s dependence on fuel imports and the corrupt practices surrounding fuel subsidies.
Federal Government Stays Neutral
In a related development, the presidency, through the special adviser on information and strategy to President Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, clarified that the government would not intervene in the fuel pricing dispute between Dangote Refinery and NNPCL.
According to Onanuga, “This is a matter that the parties involved need to resolve themselves. The federal government’s position is to maintain neutrality in this issue.”
Reflecting on Public Service Integrity
The Emir also took a moment to commend Shamshudeen Usman, the book’s lead author, noting that throughout his extensive public service career, he had never been invited for questioning by Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies. “It is rare for someone who has served in public office for as long as he has to maintain such an unblemished record,” Sanusi remarked.
Vice President’s Remarks
Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by his special adviser, Aliyu Modibbo, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preventing policy capture by special interest groups. He emphasized that the Tinubu administration is actively working to strengthen government institutions and ensure they operate for the benefit of all Nigerians.
Jonathan and Sanusi: Diverging Views on Missing Funds
A mild drama ensued at the event as former President Goodluck Jonathan and Emir Sanusi addressed the controversy surrounding the Emir’s suspension as CBN governor in 2014. The former president refuted claims made by Sanusi regarding the alleged disappearance of $49 billion from the nation’s coffers under his administration.
Jonathan argued that such a colossal sum could not have been lost without significant public impact, especially given the nation’s budget at the time. He recalled commissioning a forensic audit by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), which revealed discrepancies amounting to $1.48 billion, but dismissed the larger figure of $49 billion as unfounded.
Sanusi, however, stood by his claim, insisting that he was “constructively dismissed” after blowing the whistle on the missing funds. Despite the disagreement, Sanusi maintained his respect for Jonathan, stating, “I continue to respect Jonathan and have no grudges against anyone.”
