WorldStage–The Dangote industry has reaffirmed that its planned distribution of free fuel will go ahead as scheduled.
It made the declaration in a statement released last night, in which it accused some oil and gas industry associations of trying to undermine the initiative.
The statement described the associations’ criticism as an attempt to sabotage progress in Nigeria’s downstream sector.
“Their actions and threats are not rooted in genuine concerns about labour or unionisation,” the statement read.
“Rather, they represent a calculated campaign of economic sabotage, driven by vested interests who see our progress as a threat to their long-standing dominance.”
The refinery cited past controversies as evidence of the industry’s challenges. “In January 2022, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) disclosed that one DAPPMAN member supplied petrol containing over 15% methanol a dangerous level far above industry standards. Methanol is not a standard component of refinery-grade petrol; it is often used by blenders to artificially boost octane ratings.
“This adulteration caused widespread engine damage for thousands of consumers.
“To date, no transparent government inquiry or independent investigation has been conducted to determine the source, intent, or full consequences of this incident.”
Dangote Refinery argued that this episode illustrates the very problem Nigeria faces when importation and substandard supply dominate the market.
The company emphasised that it has positioned Nigeria as a leading source of affordable petrol feedstock for West Africa, even while importing over 60% of the crude oil it processes.
“Despite this challenge, we are still able to supply petrol at prices below the international benchmark for the sub-Saharan region,” the statement said.
Dangote also accused some industry players of prioritising fuel importation over local refining, revealing that some of them engage in round-tripping buying petrol from the refinery, exporting it to Togo, and then re-importing it into Nigeria at higher prices.
“This practice exposes the hypocrisy of those claiming to be the main suppliers of petrol in Nigeria. Their interest is clearly not in national progress, but in protecting a system that benefits a few at the expense of millions,” the statement concluded.
