Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has dismissed allegations that its petroleum products are exported to Lomé, Togo, and subsequently re-imported into Nigeria, describing the claims as false, misleading, and lacking any factual basis.
In a statement issued by its management, the refinery expressed concern over the circulation of what it described as unfounded reports suggesting that its Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) products are being routed through neighbouring countries before finding their way back into the Nigerian market.
The company said although it does not typically respond to unsubstantiated allegations, it deemed it necessary to address the issue in the interest of transparency and public understanding.
According to the statement, the claims are not supported by verifiable trade data, commercial realities, or the refinery’s operational framework.
Management reiterated that one of the refinery’s primary objectives is to strengthen domestic fuel supply and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products. It noted that any arrangement allowing imported products to compete with its own output would be contrary to that objective.
The refinery disclosed that all its sales contracts and tender agreements expressly prohibit the resale or re-importation of its products into Nigeria.
It further argued that the economics of the alleged trade route make such a practice commercially impractical. According to the company, logistics costs associated with transporting petroleum products from the refinery to Lomé and back to Nigeria are estimated at between $82 and $90 per metric tonne, making the transactions financially unattractive.
“Dangote Refinery does not provide export discounts sufficient to offset these costs or create arbitrage opportunities between export and domestic markets,” the statement said, adding that no rational producer would incur additional shipping, storage, financing and handling expenses only for the products to re-enter and compete in its primary market.
The company also highlighted its product traceability measures, which include detailed documentation of lifting points, vessels, counterparties and declared destinations. These protocols, it said, provide full visibility and accountability throughout the supply chain.
Management maintained that any suggestion that the refinery facilitates or tolerates re-importation is inconsistent with its contractual safeguards and compliance standards.
The statement added that encouraging re-importation would undermine local refining efforts, place additional pressure on foreign exchange reserves and weaken Nigeria’s industrial growth aspirations.
Reaffirming its position, the refinery stated that there is no strategic, economic or operational justification for exporting products for re-importation into Nigeria, insisting that the allegation does not stand up to scrutiny when measured against industry practices and market realities.
Dangote Refinery pledged to remain focused on its mission of enhancing Nigeria’s energy security, supporting local refining and contributing to industrial development across Africa.
Comment here