By: Abdullahi Inuwa
The management of Dangote Refinery has reaffirmed that its much-publicized free fuel distribution initiative will proceed as planned, brushing aside what it described as a “calculated campaign of economic sabotage” by rival industry players.
In a strongly worded statement issued last night, the refinery accused certain oil and gas associations of deliberately attempting to undermine its efforts.
“The actions and threats issued by them are not borne out of legitimate concerns about unionisation, but a calculated campaign of economic sabotage orchestrated by vested interests who perceive progress as a threat to their entrenched positions,” the statement read.
The refinery pointed fingers at the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), recalling a scandal in January 2022 when one of its members allegedly supplied petrol with over 15% methanol—a level far above acceptable limits. According to the statement, this adulterated fuel damaged thousands of engines across Nigeria, yet no transparent government inquiry was ever conducted.
Dangote management argued that such practices reflect the “very scenario DAPPMAN and its affiliates appear to advocate for,” stressing that the refinery has instead positioned Nigeria as a hub for affordable petrol feedstock for West Africa, despite importing over 60% of the crude oil it processes.
“Remarkably, we are able to offer petrol at prices below the international benchmark within the sub-Saharan region,” the statement added.
The refinery further alleged that some marketers have engaged in round-tripping, importing Dangote-produced petrol back into Nigeria from Togo at inflated prices—an act it described as both exploitative and hypocritical.
With the refinery’s plan to distribute free fuel already attracting widespread public attention, the statement signals that despite mounting opposition, Dangote is standing firm on its promise to make fuel more accessible for Nigerians.
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