The Naira yesterday depreciated to N1,635 per dollar in the parallel market from N1,625 per dollar last weekend.

However, the Naira yesterday appreciated to N1,585.77 per dollar in the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market, NAFEM.

Data from FMDQ showed that the indicative exchange rate for NAFEM fell to N1,585.77 per dollar from N1,598.56 per dollar last weekend, indicating N12.79 appreciation for the naira. The volume of dollars traded (turnover) in the market declined by 58.8 percent to $71.18 million from $172.8 million traded last week Friday.

Consequently, the margin between the parallel market and NAFEM rate widened to N49.23 per dollar from N26.44 per dollar last weekend.

Following a comprehensive analysis of data sourced from certified laboratory results and delivery records, Abuja based Newspaper, Politics Nigeria, reports that the diesel fuel from Dangote Refinery contains high sulphur content at least 400 percent higher than European Union (EU) standards.

Recall that Aliko Dangote, the CEO of Dangote Refinery, had, last month, claimed that product from his refinery was of impeccable quality, adding that the diesel fuel produced by his refinery had low sulphur content.

However, further checks revealed through a cache of official document that the Africa’s richest businessman may have misrepresented facts and possibly manipulated information.

Similarly, Mr. Dangote had recently accused major players and regulatory agencies of sabotaging the $19 billion refinery’s efforts to secure necessary feedstock for its operations.

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In response, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority (NMDPRA) CEO Farouk Ahmed stated that Dangote’s fuel has higher sulphur content, a harmful element in crude oil.

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According to him, “the Lagos-headquartered refinery and other modular refineries produced diesel with sulphur content ranging from 650 ppm (parts per million) to 1200 ppm.”

Speaking on this development, a chemist at the University of Cambridge explained that Sulphur is a natural element in crude oil, which is usually removed during refining processes because high amounts in fuel damage engines and cause environmental pollution.

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“When fuel with high sulphur content is burnt, it produces sulphur dioxide (SO2), a harmful gas that contributes to environmental pollution. This is particularly concerning as sulphur dioxide is a major contributor to acid rain, which can harm ecosystems, damage buildings and infrastructure, and pose health risks to humans and animals,” she stated.

Official documents further revealed that the Collated Test Results of AGO (Diesel) including lab results of diesel fuel supplied to retailers between April and last month, revealed that the sulphur content in Dangote diesel went up to as high as 1200 ppm.

The fuel, delivered in 32 batches, was supplied to different depots of Rain Oil, AA Rano, TMDK Oil, Kashton, NIPCO, Sobaz, and other retail companies. The amount of sulphur found in Dangote diesel averaged 937 ppm, with the lowest of 705 ppm in April and the highest of 1200 ppm in a supply to NIPCO on June 16.

In line with NMDPRA regulation, these supplies were tested by Dangote’s quality assurance team and verified by independent international testing companies who also issued certificates of analysis.

As part of moves to discredit the NMDPRA CEO’s claims and shield itself from public scrutiny, Dangote Refinery organised a testing of its diesel during a tour of the facility by a group of House of Representatives members on July 20. Samples from the refinery were collected alongside some diesel samples procured from two filling stations along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

During the tour, Dangote had said: “Lab tests revealed that Dangote’s diesel had a sulphur content of 87.6 ppm, whereas the other two samples showed sulphur levels exceeding 1800 ppm and 2000 ppm respectively.

“In terms of quality, when we started, our quality was about six hundred to six fifty ppm; the ppm was one of the best in terms of quality at the time we started. But as of today, we are at 87 ppm. And you can take a sample on Monday. By Monday, we will be less than 50 ppm. By the beginning of August, we will be at 10 ppm.”

However, according to impeccable sources familiar with the company’s operations, the testing did not reflect the actual results of the diesel fuel Dangote Refinery supplies to the market.

A source, who pleaded anonymity for security reasons, said: “That test is far from the reality on the ground. It was done to mobilise members of the public against the federal government and force the government to reach a deal with the refinery.

“In fact, on July 22, two days after the lawmakers’ visit, Dangote Refinery delivered a shipment of diesel fuel containing 950 ppm of sulphur to AA Rano’s depot in Ijegun, Lagos.”

Records also showed that the same shipment was first tested by Dangote’s quality control department on July 13 and was confirmed to contain 1095 ppm of sulphur. The certificate of analysis was authorised by Nikunj Parikh, a senior chemist at Dangote, and witnessed by an independent lab chemist, Solomon Efe.

As of the time of filing this report, our Correspondent could not reach the spokesperson for Dangote, Tony Chiejina, to react to the development as calls to his known telephone number went unanswered.

Abdulrahman Salga, popularly known as Mai Nasara, the esteemed chairman of the PDP House of Representatives Members Aspirants for Dala Local Government Area of Kano State and a leading figure in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has called for initiatives that will result in the development of Business Start-ups and Export Potentials in Dala Local Government.

Dala Local Government is known for its diverse economic activities. Residents engage in dyeing, blacksmithing, local bread making, pot making, farming, fishing, and shoemaking. These traditional industries form the backbone of Dala’s local economy, contributing significantly to its commercial vibrancy.

In an exclusive interview, Alhaji Abdulrahman Salga, also known as Mai Nasara, shared his transformative vision for Dala Local Government.

To drive economic growth in Dala, Mai Nasara emphasizes the importance of nurturing business start-ups and entrepreneurship. He proposes the establishment of business incubation centers that provide aspiring entrepreneurs with access to funding, mentorship, and essential resources. This initiative aims to create a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem where innovative ideas can flourish, leading to job creation and sustainable economic development.

“Our goal is to create a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem where ideas can flourish, and businesses can grow,” Mai Nasara states. “By supporting start-ups, we can drive innovation and create jobs for our people.”

Mai Nasara’s vision includes tapping into Dala’s export potentials. He aims to promote local products in international markets, thereby boosting the local economy. His strategy involves improving infrastructure, streamlining export processes, and providing training for local businesses on international trade practices.

“Dala has a wealth of resources that can be harnessed for export,” he notes. “We need to take advantage of global markets to enhance our economic prosperity.”

Mai Nasara stresses the pivotal role of education in driving societal progress. He proposes the establishment of modern educational institutions equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to provide quality education to every child in Dala. This includes vocational training to prepare students for the job market. Recognizing the transformative power of technology, he aims to position Dala as a tech hub by integrating technology in education, business, and governance.

“Education is the cornerstone of development,” he asserts. “We must invest in our youth to secure a prosperous future for Dala.”
Sports are seen by Mai Nasara as vital for community development and youth engagement. His plans include building sports facilities across Dala and organizing regular sports events to identify and nurture local talents.

“Sports not only promote health but also unity and discipline among our youth,” he explains. “We want to create opportunities for our young athletes to excel and represent Dala on national and international platforms.”

A critical aspect of Mai Nasara’s agenda is the support of almajiri children. He advocates for comprehensive programs that provide these children with education, healthcare, and social services. His plan includes integrating almajiri children into mainstream education and providing vocational training to ensure they have opportunities for a better future.
“Every child deserves a chance to succeed,” he asserts. “We must ensure that almajiri children are not left behind in our development plans.”

Under his leadership, the PDP ONE FAMILY initiative seeks to unite members of the PDP in Dala, fostering a spirit of collaboration and shared purpose.
“Unity is strength,” Mai Nasara emphasizes. “By working together, we can overcome challenges and achieve our common goals for the betterment of Dala.”

Alhaji Abdulrahman Salga, A.K.A Mai Nasara, is a visionary leader dedicated to transforming Dala Local Government through strategic initiatives in education, technology, sports, business, and social welfare. His comprehensive development plan, coupled with his commitment to unity through PDP ONE FAMILY, positions him as a formidable force in driving progress and prosperity for Dala. As he continues to champion these causes, the future of Dala looks promising under his dynamic leadership.