Dangote Refinery Twisting the Facts – DAPPMAN
The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has accused Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company of presenting a biased narrative in its ongoing dispute with the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
In a statement issued on Saturday, DAPPMAN’s Executive Secretary, Olufemi Adewole, challenged the portrayal by Dangote Group, asserting that while the refinery is a welcome addition to Nigeria’s energy landscape, its current supply only meets about 30 to 35 percent of national demand.
According to Adewole, the remaining fuel needs are being met by petroleum marketers — including DAPPMAN members — who import and distribute products under the watchful eye of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The statement, titled “Clarifying the Role of Market Players in Nigeria’s Downstream Petroleum Sector”, highlighted concerns over what DAPPMAN described as misleading public relations tactics by the Dangote Refinery.
“Dangote’s announcements of repeated fuel price reductions are portrayed as patriotic gestures, but they often coincide with times when other importers have active cargoes en route or stored, leading to sudden price drops that destabilize the market,” Adewole said.
He further alleged that while Dangote promotes affordability for Nigerians, the company offers more competitive pricing to international buyers than to domestic customers — a contradiction that, according to him, undermines local businesses already operating under tight margins.
“All petroleum imports undergo independent laboratory testing in line with NMDPRA regulations and global standards,” Adewole emphasized.
“Ironically, the same refinery claiming superior quality has, on several occasions, requested waivers to sell fuel with sulphur content exceeding permissible levels — raising questions about its consistency and credibility.”
DAPPMAN also criticized what it described as misleading claims about “free delivery” from the Dangote facility. In reality, marketers are compelled to collect at least 25% of their product allocation directly from the refinery using Dangote-owned trucks, incurring commercial transportation costs based on destination. This arrangement, Adewole said, adds logistical and financial pressure on marketers and restricts their operational flexibility.
“The Dangote Refinery is a significant player in the sector, but it should not be seen as a singular savior,” the statement noted.
“Nigeria’s fuel distribution is sustained by a complex network of refineries, depots, marketers, transporters, and regulators working together to meet national demand.”
DAPPMAN urged against narratives that distort the role of other compliant industry players, warning that such rhetoric risks damaging investor confidence and public trust.
“We call on all stakeholders, including the Dangote Group, to prioritize constructive engagement and balanced communication,” Adewole concluded.
“The progress of Nigeria’s energy sector depends on collaboration, regulatory adherence, and mutual respect—not divisive narratives or one-sided accounts.”
