Energy Transparency Initiative Refutes Claims of Rep. Philip Agbase Advocating for Dangote Refinery

The Energy Transparency Initiative (ETI) has refuted claims that Rep. Philip Agbase, the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, has assumed the role of an advocate for the Dangote Refinery. The group made this announcement in a joint statement by its president, Francis Nedu, and secretary, Ismaila Bello, in Abuja on Monday.

According to Mr. Bello, the persons making these claims, Ganzallo Gbenga and Chinelo Ochiaga, were expelled from the group long ago due to fraudulent activities and other abuses that contravened the group’s objectives. Mr. Bello stated that the leadership of ETI is aware that some government agencies had allegedly released as much as $500,000 to the impostors, with the intention of blackmailing Mr. Agbese and other National Assembly members who want sanity in the oil and gas sector.

The group expressed support for Mr. Agbese’s claims of deliberate attempts by the Nigerian Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to discredit Dangote Refinery Company. Mr. Agbese was praised for his exceptional leadership and courage in “exposing the truth” and for his efforts to protect Nigerian entrepreneurs and promote indigenous businesses.

ETI also expressed support for the House of Representatives’ call for the Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, to resign. The group believes that the dismissal of the NNPC Group CEO, Mele Kyari, is long overdue as well. ETI urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to address this issue and ensure that the regulatory agencies served the interests of the nation, not just a select few.

The group took legal action against the impostors and has already involved law enforcement agencies to ensure that they are brought to justice. ETI also urged all stakeholders to remain vigilant and uphold the principles of fairness and transparency, adding that it would continue to monitor developments.

In a BBC Hausa Service interview, Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA, denied any wrongdoing and stated that the agency is working according to its mandates. He also claimed that Dangote himself has thanked the agency for its help and that over 10 workers are working 24/7 to ensure everything goes as planned.

The Energy Transparency Initiative has vowed to continue monitoring developments and ensuring that all actions and policies are aligned with the national interest, free from undue influence or partisan agendas.