Dangote Refinery Identifies Sources of Petrol Import Claims, Prepares Legal Response
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced it has successfully identified the individuals responsible for circulating claims that the facility imports finished petrol into Nigeria. The refinery management expressed strong dissatisfaction with these allegations, describing them as misleading propaganda deliberately designed to undermine Nigeria's domestic refining ambitions.
Legal Action Imminent Against Propaganda Spreaders
In an official statement released on Monday, the refinery confirmed it would disclose the identities and motives of those behind the claims "at the appropriate time" while pursuing comprehensive legal action against them. The company characterized the individuals as "unpatriotic and unscrupulous" elements who cannot accept Nigeria's progress toward reducing fuel import dependency.
The refinery specifically accused these parties of benefiting from past fraudulent financing transactions connected to the rehabilitation of state-owned refineries, suggesting financial motives behind the misinformation campaign.
Clarification on Import Activities
The controversy stems from recent reports attributed to an international intelligence firm and amplified through newspaper advertisements that falsely suggested Dangote refinery imports finished Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). On February 4, refinery CEO David Bird provided crucial clarification, stating unequivocally that the facility does not import petroleum products but only intermediate feedstocks used in the refining process.
According to the company's detailed explanation:
- Dangote refinery imports only intermediate streams and blending components
- These include high-sulphur reformates and low-RON condensates
- All imported materials require further processing before meeting market specifications
- The practice mirrors standard operations among large refineries in Europe and Asia
"These materials are not petrol and cannot be sold as such without additional refining," the statement emphasized, addressing the technical misunderstanding at the heart of the controversy.
Quality Assurance and Market Impact
The refinery confirmed that the only petrol it supplies to the Nigerian market is Euro 5-compliant PMS, which undergoes rigorous quality testing before distribution. This clarification came during discussions at an S&P Global forum in the United Kingdom, where industry participants acknowledged Dangote refinery's significant role in reshaping Nigeria's refining capacity.
Since commencing operations, the refinery has contributed to:
- Improved fuel quality standards in Nigeria
- Reduced reliance on high-sulphur petrol imports
- Enhanced domestic refining capabilities
The company urged all industry stakeholders to maintain technical accuracy and exercise responsibility in public reporting about refining operations, emphasizing the importance of factual discourse in Nigeria's energy sector development.
Export Expansion Plans
In related developments, Dangote Packaging Limited has unveiled ambitious plans to increase polypropylene exports across African markets. This expansion follows increased production capacity facilitated by new machinery commissioned at two manufacturing facilities.
Company board chairman Robert Ade-Odiachi disclosed that monthly output will rise from 36 million to 56 million polypropylene bags, with further increases anticipated in coming years. The export initiative will be backed by world-class quality standards as the company seeks to strengthen its regional market presence.
