By Ayomide Otitoju
Contrary to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) claims of progress in domestic refining, fresh data has revealed that the state-run oil firm imported 122,000 metric tonnes of petrol in just 96 hours, raising concerns over the true status of the country’s refineries.
Records show that between February 6 and 10, 2025, the Mele Kyari-led NNPCL received approximately 164.86 million liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), better known as petrol.
According to shipping data:
Kriti Bay delivered 37,000 metric tonnes to the Lagos ASPM terminal on February 10.
Kouris arrived the same day at Lagos ASPM terminal with another 37,000 metric tonnes.
Hapia Andre offloaded 28,000 metric tonnes at PWA/BOP/NOJ Lagos terminal.
Earlier, on February 6, Mycroft delivered 20,000 metric tonnes of petrol to the Calabar Mainland terminal.
Industry Experts Demand Transparency
The significant fuel importation has raised questions over NNPCL’s earlier assertion that local refining has resumed following the reported restreaming of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
An industry expert, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, challenged NNPCL to explain the contradiction between its claim of refining petrol domestically and the continued large-scale importation of the same product.
“NNPCL owes Nigerians an explanation,” the expert said. “If the refineries are working, why are we still importing millions of liters of petrol? The figures simply do not add up.”
Refinery Status Under Scrutiny
NNPCL last week denied reports of an explosion at the Warri Refinery, stating that the facility was only undergoing routine maintenance to ensure optimal performance—barely a month after resuming operations at its 125,000-barrel refinery.
Similarly, the Port Harcourt Refinery has been the subject of controversy, with some experts dismissing it as a glorified blending plant, despite NNPCL’s claim that it has started exporting refined products.
Another industry expert noted:
“Importing 164.86 million liters of petrol in just four days directly contradicts NNPCL’s claims that refining activities have resumed in Port Harcourt and Warri. This development makes it clear that Nigerians are not being told the full truth.”
As concerns grow over Nigeria’s persistent reliance on fuel imports, industry stakeholders are calling for greater transparency from NNPCL regarding the actual status of the country’s refineries.
