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New refineries: NNPCL may cut crude supply to Dangote plant
This reduction is expected to take place as part of adjustments under the government’s naira-for-crude initiative following the coming onstream of the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries.
Both refineries currently operate at a combined capacity of about 135,000 barrels per day. The plants, managed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, commenced operations recently after years of neglect by successive governments, preferring fuel imports.
It was gathered that the planned reduction of crude to the Dangote refinery was also predicated on the necessity to ensure a sufficient supply of crude to all refineries.
This is aimed at boosting competition in the downstream sector, with the government facilitating this through the naira-for-crude initiative. Before the initiative, the government used to allocate about 445,000 barrels per day of crude to domestic refineries operated by NNPCL.
Impeccable sources knowledgeable about the development disclosed the planned slash in crude supply to the Dangote refinery during a chat with our correspondent on Wednesday.
One of the sources who did not want to be mentioned because he was not permitted to speak with the press, confirmed to The PUNCH that, “It is clear that crude allocation to Dangote refinery and other local refineries will be reduced because all our refineries are coming back. Old Port Harcourt is working. New Port Harcourt is almost done. Warri just joined last week. “
Last year, the Federal Executive Council adopted a proposal by President Bola Tinubu to sell crude to the Dangote refinery and other
upcoming refineries in the local currency.
FEC approved that the 450,000 barrels meant for domestic consumption be offered in naira to Nigerian refineries, using the Dangote refinery as a pilot.
Similarly, other refineries with lower capacity were scheduled to receive allocations.
Findings showed that the $20bn Lekki-based plant was allocated about 300,000 barrels per day out of the 450,000bpd approved by the government.
The agreement was designed to last six months in the first instance, pending further review by the Technical Sub-Committee on Domestic Sales of Crude Oil in Local Currency.
However, this agreement will undergo slight adjustments following the commencement of refining operations at the 210,000PortHarcourt refinery and the 125,000 Warri refinery.
The source stressed that the only solution to the impending crude supply cut was for oil production to improve.
The official added, “Warri is now onstream, too, and Kaduna is coming. So the current share of those 450,000 barrels will now be shared between all of them. Remember also that the BUA refinery is coming.
“So, it is very likely that the 300,000 barrels the Dangote refinery is getting currently will be reduced. The formula for how it would be shared is still sketchy, but it is almost certain that it would be reduced. NNPCL won’t deprive itself of crude oil.
“At least, if Port Harcourt will get 50,000 barrels. Other refineries’ share will be reduced to 250,000. New Port Harcourt will come. Warri, too, is still there. So the only solution to this thing is to increase production, which the government is working hard on.”
The government had redirected crude allocation of 445,000 barrels formerly disbursed to the Warri, Kaduna, and Port Harcourt refineries following their shutdown to the Dangote refinery.
The official also stated that the government has stopped selling its crude on credit to local refineries for improved revenue collection.
“Another issue now is that the government will no longer sell its crude on a credit basis. You would have to pay before you can pick up crude products. The refiners are not happy about it, but revenue to the government is also important.”
The Dangote refinery may fall back on crude oil import, which is subject to international pricing.
Commenting on the latest development, the Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria stated that the initiative was an intervention designed to address the foreign exchange market volatility and drive down the retail price of petrol, which has been achieved.
The CORAN Publicity Secretary, Eche Idoko, in an interview, however, argued that the coming onstream of the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries is not expected to cut down allocation to local refineries.
He said, “The naira for the crude agreement was purely an intervention at the time to boost local production and then provide some cushion from the volatility of the foreign exchange market. It wasn’t so much about the crude but the FX.
“While I don’t know the mind of the government and regulators if one would infer from the solution to address the volatility, the coming onstream of the Warri and Port Harcourt refinery is to make sure the price of petrol remains affordable for Nigerians. You would agree with me that against all norms, the petrol price has dropped in the last month. We still expect that the price will drop further.
“If we go by this analogy, I don’t think it would change the announcement by the government concerning the naira for crude. However, the agreement signed for this deal stated that it was for refineries producing PMS, which only Dangote and Port Harcourt are currently doing. The one in Warri is not producing because it’s undergoing rehabilitation.”
Idoko pointed out that “this also indicates that there is a serious need for the upstream segment to ramp up production and produce more crude.”
Meanwhile, the national oil company may encounter new challenges in meeting local crude demands, with fresh indications that the oil firm is seeking an additional $2bn to stabilise its finances and invest in new oil infrastructure to boost crude oil production.
A report by Africa Intelligence recently stated the NNPC should announce in the next few days that it has finalised the new syndicated crude oil-backed loan.
Christened Project Leopard, the operation, it said, will enable the company to raise $2bn in total in exchange for crude oil.
This will push the volume of loans for crude to $8bn within four years. The country is still repaying these loans.
These deals have continued despite complaints from domestic refineries that the national oil firm is not meeting its quota.
The country’s average daily production stood at 1.8m barrels per day as of November 2024.
Last year, the Vice President of the Dangote Group, Edwin Devakumar, accused NNPCL of failing to meet its crude oil supply obligations under the naira-for-crude agreement.
Devakumar explained that the national oil company had committed to supplying the refinery with a minimum of 385,000 bpd under the crude-for-naira deal.
“We need 650,000 barrels per day, and NNPC Ltd agreed to supply a minimum of 385,000 bpd, but they are not even delivering that,” Devakumar stated.
The CORAN official also lamented the same issue, stating, “We trust that the government will listen to us for the naira for crude and address the issue of the non-availability of crude to local refineries. CORAN, as a body representing local refineries, is willing to work with the government in any way to increase the quota. Private refineries should also be allowed to own marginal fields.” 123m barrels crude
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has revealed that Port Harcourt Refinery, Dangote Refinery, Warri Refinery, and other functional refineries will receive 123,480,500 barrels of crude oil between January and June 2025, which is the total crude requirement of refiners during the period.The regulator estimated daily crude oil requirements for local refiners at 770,500 barrels per day and a monthly requirement of 23,812,000 barrels per month.
The NUPRC said this in the Domestic Crude Oil Requirement and Crude Oil Production Forecast for the First Half of 2025 obtained by our correspondent on Wednesday.
To meet the requirement, the NUPRC said it targets crude oil output to hit over two million barrels per day.
The production target is hinged on Project 1 Million Barrels, which was launched in October 2024.
The NUPRC is empowered by the PIA to ensure domestic crude supply to local refineries based on the ‘willing buyer, willing seller’ model.
The regulator said the move is under Section 109 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 and it is aimed at effective capacity utilisation of the nation’s domestic refineries by ensuring a consistent supply of crude oil.
The NUPRC said, “The forecasted daily crude requirement for Refineries which is 770,500 Bpd), is about 37 per cent of the forecasted first half 2025 average daily production of 2,066,940 Bpd.”
The forecast is for nine active refineries, according to the NUPRC.
A breakdown showed that the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals require 99,550,000 barrels from January to June 2025. The refinery’s daily requirement is 550,000mbpd while the monthly requirement is 17.05 million barrels. The facility, however, has an optimal capacity of 650,000bpd.
The Warri Refinery has the second highest requirement, estimated at 13,5875,000 barrels in the first half, while the daily and monthly requirements are 75,000bpd and 2.325 million barrels, respectively.
The Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company Ltd has an estimated requirement of 3,960,000 barrels. The refinery’s daily requirement is 66,000bpd and 1,980,000 barrels.
Port Harcourt Refinery Company Ltd (Old) has a daily requirement of 60,000 barrels per day, a monthly requirement of 1,860,000 barrels and a half-year requirement of 2,868,000 barrels.
Port Harcourt-based Aradel Refinery is estimated to consume 1,267,000 barrels in the first half of 2025 while the daily need of the refinery is 11,000bpd and 215,000 barrels monthly.
OPAC Refineries in Delta State has a crude requirement of 5,000bpd, 150,000 barrels per month and 900,000 barrels in the first half.
Imo State-based Waltersmith Refinery and Petrochemical Company Ltd have a half-year requirement of 814,500 barrels, a monthly and daily requirement of 139,000 barrels, and 4,500 barrels per day.
Edo State-based Dupot Midstream Company Ltd has a half-year, monthly and daily requirement of 360,000 barrels, 62,000 barrels and 2000bpd, respectively.
Edo Refinery and Petrochemical Company Ltd has a half-year requirement of 186,000 barrels, a monthly requirement of 31,000 barrels and a daily requirement of 1,000.
NUPRC said, “It is leveraging the capacity of upstream operators to meet the target daily production of 2,500,000 bpd in the short term.
“This strategic initiative aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to bolstering its domestic refining capacity and ensuring the sustainability of its oil industry.
“The first half of 2025 is expected to witness increased synergy between local refineries and producing companies, setting the stage for a more robust and self-reliant petroleum landscape in Nigeria.”
PUNCH
The Federal Government has announced 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for admission into universities and nursing schools across the country.
The decision was reached during the policy meeting on admissions organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) with stakeholders in the education sector.
According to the government, candidates seeking admission into universities and nursing institutions are expected to score at least 150 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to qualify for consideration.
The meeting also reviewed admission guidelines for polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions as part of efforts to maintain standards in the nation’s education system.
Stakeholders at the meeting urged institutions to ensure transparency and fairness in their admission processes while advising candidates to strictly adhere to admission requirements.
Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha has continued to distinguish himself not only as a grassroots politician but as a sound parliamentarian who clearly understands the true essence of legislative representation and public service.
Since emerging as the Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Umeha has consistently demonstrated capacity, vision, and commitment both on the floor of the National Assembly and within his constituency.
Unlike many politicians whose promises disappear after elections, Rt. Hon. Umeha has steadily transformed his campaign mantra, “Go and Verify,” into practical realities visible across communities in Ezeagu and Udi Federal Constituency.
From road construction to solar-powered streetlights, classroom projects, healthcare interventions, agricultural empowerment, scholarships, boreholes, and youth development programmes, his stewardship has remained rooted in service delivery and measurable impact.
Observers say one of the strongest qualities that separates Umeha from many lawmakers is his deep understanding of parliamentary responsibilities. Through strategic bills and motions, he has continued to show that representation goes beyond rhetoric and political appearances.
Among several notable legislative efforts, he sponsored bills seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition in Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, reforms in the education sector through the abolition of levies in public basic schools, mandatory insurance protection for NYSC members, and the establishment of a National Football Academy.
He also sponsored motions addressing critical national concerns, including the investigation into the gruesome killing of Nigerians by soldiers in Enugu State and the urgent completion of the Karshi/Apo Road project in Abuja to ease traffic congestion.
Political analysts note that these interventions reflect a lawmaker who understands that effective representation must combine constituency development with strong legislative advocacy.
Many constituents equally commend him for remaining faithful to the promises he made during his campaigns. Across the constituency, residents point to completed and ongoing projects as evidence that the lawmaker has not reneged on his commitments to the people.
Beyond governance and legislative duties, Rt. Hon. Umeha also played significant roles in efforts aimed at restoring sanity, stability, and internal cohesion within the Labour Party before his eventual defection to the APC.
Sources within the political space in Enugu State revealed that Umeha consistently pushed for peace, unity, and institutional order within the party during periods of internal crisis and leadership disagreements. His interventions were said to be driven by the desire to protect the interests of party members and preserve the integrity of the platform.
However, following prolonged internal challenges and unresolved structural issues within the Labour Party, the federal lawmaker eventually moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision many political observers described as strategic and inevitable.
Despite the political transition, supporters insist that his focus has remained unchanged — delivering quality representation, empowering constituents, and sustaining developmental projects across Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency.
For many residents, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha represents a rare blend of grassroots leadership, legislative competence, humility, and political responsibility.
And across the constituency, the verdict from many communities remains simple:
“He promised, and he delivered.”
Today, Friday 8 May 2026, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma (Onwa Umueri) laid his beloved sister, Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke to rest in a solemn but dignified ceremony.
A large number of family and friends gathered in Ogboji in Orumba South Local Government Area for her burial.
It was a solemn yet beautiful celebration of a life well lived, one marked by grace, resilience, and strong family values. The Funeral Mass was officiated by His Emience, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke, The Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese.
In a heartfelt family tribute, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma shared that her sister “it is indeed well with your soul and has gone to rest with the Lord,” expressing profound grief over the irreplaceable loss of a beloved sibling who played a significant role in their family. He prayed for God to grant her His mercy and reward her with Beatic Vision. He opined that they as a family will continue from where she stopped. Our Hope in God and Believe in the resurrection of the dead and communion of the saints will spur them on as they continue to place all their hopes in God who made Heaven and Earth.
The Funeral and Burial Ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries including Her Excellency Senator Dr Iyom Uche Ekwunife, APC State Chairman, Most Distinguished Senator Emma Anosike, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa (Okeife Alor), YPP Deputy Governorship Candidate 2025 Governorship Election, His Excellency, Chief Uzu Okagbue, Former Nigeria Ambassador to Burundi, His Excellency, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba (Ozonkpu Ike Enuguwu-Ukwu N’Umunri, Dr Oby Orah, Executive Director FAAN, Prof Charles Esimone, Former Vice Chancellor Unizik, Chief Hon Raph Okeke, Barr CJ Chinwuba, Hon Chizo Obidigwe, Hon JC Okeke (Deputy Chairman ,APC Anambra State, chief Anthony Obiazie (Ichie Ide), Onwa Lento Aluminium.
Others are The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University and Members of the Governing Council, the Rector Anambra State Polytechnic,Dr Njideka Rita Chiekezie, Hon Obi Henry APC State secretary, Hon Ify Nwachukwu (Ada Onowu), Prof Jaja Nwanegbo, and several other respected leaders from the political, traditional, and religious communities.
Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke died after Major Brain Tumour Surgery in Germany, aged 44 years. May the soul of Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke rest in perfect peace, and may God grant the entire Chukwuma of Umueri and Okeke family of Ogboji, the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss.
*Videos and Photos Speak:*
*(C) Paschal Candle.*
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Gubernatorial candidate Mr John Nwosu and running mate of the African Democratic Congress ADC in Anambra state Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu have stated that despite the deoature of Mr Peter Obi, and Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,the party is still intact and would run it’s full course in the 2027 general election.
The duo however lamented that the deoature of Obi is indeed painful but was quick to add that the party must forge ahead .
He said as leaders, Obi and Kwankwaso and other key chieftains of the ADC who suddenly left to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) would have waited to resolve the problems the ADC is facing when it mattered most rather than taking a swift to another fold.
Chief Nwobu bared his mind and feelings of other stakeholders of the ADC while briefing newsmen shortly after the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting held on Friday in Awka the state capital.
He noted with nostalgia that the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi could have shown restraint and commitment in the ADC even in face of the party’s plethora of litigations pending before different courts than leaving it unceremoniously with others.
He vowed that despite the development, leaders and members of the State chapter of the ADC are resolute to take the full circle of the electoral battle ahead of next year’s general elections and would get to it to successfully.
Accorisng to him, the National leadership of the party was not given the opportunity to settle down even less than 24 hours before the supreme Court judgment on Thursday last week when news about the detection of those who left the party rented the air waves up till Friday and Saturday same week and finally on Sunday when the news was finally blown to the entire world.
Nwobu disclosed that the opposition ADC in the state at the moment parades about nine House of Representatives and six State House of Assembly aspirants who have bought nomination forms to contest the 2027 elections while more have indicated interest to join the epical race.
The ADC stalwart further maintained that all those who indicated interest to contest the various positions are greatly prepared to run the race with high morals.
“We feel pains that these people left the party (ADC); definitely it’s going to affect the gains of the party. There’s no point saying every other thing. That having been said I am telling you that those who remain in the party are resolute and prepared to run the course.
He said the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting reaffirm loyalty and support to the National leadership under David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary.
Nwobu who was flanked by Hon. Christian Okeke, Ven. Chris Orajekwe and Arch. Afam Moma, Samuel Ikefuna, and Reginald Akunekwe and Ben Chuks Nwosu said “the state leaders reaffirm loyalty and support of the ADC Anambra state to the National leadership headed by Senator David Mark and His Excellency Rauf Aregbesola.”
“The meeting resolved to commend the founding chairman of the ADC Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu for the exemplary show of representing the ADC platform as an umbrella body for the coalition and his selfless role In navigating the coalition to it’s fruition.”
“And we wish to affirm that the ADC’s best is from Anambra state and Anambra state will not be found wanting in the efforts of the party to achieve success during the 2027 general elections,” he said.
“For our brothers who has moved on tp other platform, we wish them well. I look forward to a day we will all join hands together to salvage this country,” Nwobu stated.
He explained further that no new leadership has been Inaugurated in Anambra,adding that that it’s unnecessary for somebody to say he or she has resigned as the party is still contending on issues of offices, conduct of Congresses at the Federal High court.
Chief Nwobu stated that the Inauguration of officials elected at Congresses across the states would be made on the 11th of this month.
By Chinedu Sabastine
The Enugu State Government, in partnership with the South Sahara Social Development Organisation (SSDO), has intensified efforts to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation (DRM) as part of broader strategies to boost climate finance and promote responsive budgeting.
The initiative aligns with the administration’s climate policy framework, which emphasises sustainable development, a green economic transition, and improved fiscal planning.
This was disclosed during a two-day stakeholders’ dialogue on domestic resource mobilisation for climate-responsive budgeting held at Sylvia Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu and funded by ActionAid Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Director of Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Nnamdi Arum, said the state has integrated climate considerations across its projects and programmes.
According to him, while Enugu continues to benefit from international funding support, deliberate steps are being taken to strengthen internally generated resources for climate initiatives.
“Climate change has been prioritised across ministries in Enugu State. Most projects are now designed with green considerations in mind,” Arum said.
He commended Governor Peter Mbah for appointing Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke as Special Adviser on Climate Change, noting that his leadership has helped translate climate policies into actionable programmes.
Arum added that the government is actively engaging diverse groups, including youths and persons with disabilities, to ensure inclusive climate policy development.
On funding gaps, he acknowledged that despite progress, external support remains crucial particularly in the agricultural sector to enhance food security and affordability.
In his remarks, Research Policy Officer with SSDO, Okechukwu Ajah, said the dialogue aimed to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation.
He noted that although Enugu has domesticated its climate policy and action plan, challenges such as weak inter-ministerial coordination and the absence of clear climate budget tagging persist.
“Many agencies still operate in silos, and there is no distinct climate imprint in budgeting across ministries. This affects ownership and effective implementation of climate policies,” Ajah said.
He expressed optimism that the engagement would yield practical, implementable recommendations, stressing the need to move from theory to action.
Ajah also highlighted the importance of youth inclusion in climate discussions, describing young people as critical stakeholders in shaping sustainable futures.
One of the participants, Chidera Ekoh, described the dialogue as insightful, noting that it provided practical knowledge on addressing climate challenges.
“Climate change is already impacting our economy. This programme has equipped us with the knowledge to prioritise challenges and mobilise resources effectively,” Ekoh said
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