By Olayiwola Rasheed Jebba Hamilton
The CEO Dangote Group of Companies,
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON,
Union Marble House 1 Alfred Rewane Road, PMB 40032, Falomo Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.
Dear Sir,
As one of the most influential and respected business leaders in Nigeria, I am writing to urge you to take full charge of your refinery and ensure transparency in all your operations. The recent developments in the oil and gas sector have raised concerns about the role of your refinery in the industry, and it is essential that you address these concerns to maintain the trust and confidence of Nigerians.
Ab-initio, I implore you to fix the price of your Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and publicly announce it to Nigerians. This will help to eliminate speculation and uncertainty in the market, allowing consumers to make informed decisions. Additionally, by making your pricing transparent, you will demonstrate your commitment to fairness and accountability. It is crucial that you take this step to avoid any perception of profiteering or exploitation, which could damage your reputation and erode public trust.
Secondly, I urge you to open up your distribution channels to allow anyone who meets your requirements to come and buy, lift, and re-sell your products. This will promote competition and prevent the concentration of market power in the hands of a few individuals or groups. By doing so, you will be adhering to the principles of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and promoting the interests of Nigerians. It is essential that you create a level playing field for all stakeholders, ensuring that your operations are fair, transparent, and beneficial to the economy.
I also caution you against playing into the hands of those who have accused you of monopoly in the past. Their sudden change of heart should not be taken at face value, and you must be wary of their intentions. By maintaining transparency and fairness in your operations, you will be able to demonstrate your commitment to the well-being of Nigerians and the growth of the economy. It is crucial that you avoid any actions that could be perceived as collusive or anti-competitive, as this could lead to regulatory scrutiny and reputational damage.
Furthermore, I urge you to clarify the nature of your arrangement with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) regarding the offtake of your products. If you have any agreement with NNPCL, including subsidies or other forms of support, you must make it public to Nigerians. Transparency is essential in this regard, as it will help to build trust and confidence in your operations. It is crucial that you avoid any perception of secrecy or hidden agendas, as this could lead to public mistrust and regulatory attention.
I must emphasize that Nigerians need to know the truth about your operations, and it is essential that you provide them with accurate and timely information. By doing so, you will be able to maintain the trust and confidence of the people and demonstrate your commitment to the growth and development of the country. It is crucial that you prioritize transparency and accountability in all your operations, ensuring that your actions are guided by the principles of fairness, integrity, and responsibility.
Conclusively, I urge you to take full charge of your refinery and ensure transparency in all your operations. This is essential for building trust and confidence in your operations and promoting the interests of Nigerians. I hope you will take my advice seriously and act accordingly, recognizing the critical role that your refinery plays in the Nigerian economy and the lives of its people.
Yours Sincerely,
Olayiwola Rasheed Jebba Hamilton
olayiwolarasheedemmanuel@gmail.com
Friday, September 6, 2024.
