A recent revelation has shown that Nigeria imported fuel worth $2.25 billion from Malta in nine years, sparking controversy and fueling allegations of corruption.
According to Trade Map data, Nigeria’s fuel importation from Malta skyrocketed from $47.5 million in 2013 to $2.8 billion in 2023, a staggering 342% increase.
The importation figures reveal a suspicious pattern, with no fuel imports from Malta between 2017 and 2022, followed by a sudden surge in 2023.
This development lends credence to allegations made by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, founder of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, that some NNPC officials own blending plants in Malta.
Dangote had stated, “Some of the terminals, some of the NNPC people, and some traders have opened blending plants somewhere off Malta. We all know these areas. We know what they are doing.”
However, NNPC’s Group CEO, Mele Kyari, has denied owning a blending plant in Malta or anywhere else, saying he is not aware of any employee involved in such activities.
The controversy comes amidst allegations of sabotage against Dangote’s $20 billion refinery project, with claims of attempts to demarket his refinery and maintain fuel importation.
