DANGOTE Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has dismissed claims that its petroleum products are exported to Lomé, Togo, and subsequently re-imported into Nigeria, describing the allegations as misleading, unfounded, and inconsistent with commercial realities.
In a statement issued by its management, the company expressed concern over what it described as the circulation of false information regarding the movement of its petroleum products.
While noting that it does not usually respond to unsubstantiated allegations, the refinery said it was compelled to address the claims in the interest of transparency and public understanding.
The company stated unequivocally that the allegation lacks support from verifiable trade data, commercial logic, and the operational realities of its business.
According to the statement, one of the refinery’s primary objectives is to strengthen domestic fuel supply and serve as a leading supplier of petroleum products within Nigeria.
It argued that any arrangement that allows imported products to compete directly with its locally refined products would run contrary to this mandate.
To prevent such occurrences, the refinery said all its sales contracts and tender agreements contain explicit provisions prohibiting the resale or re-importation of its products into Nigeria.
Management further challenged the economic viability of the alleged trade route, explaining that the cost of transporting petroleum products from the refinery to Lomé and then back into Nigeria would range between $82 and $90 per metric ton. Such expenses, it noted, would significantly reduce profit margins and make the transaction commercially unattractive.
“Dangote Refinery does not provide export discounts sufficient to offset these costs or create arbitrage opportunities between export and domestic markets. Simply put, no rational producer would incur additional shipping, storage, financing, and handling costs only for products to re-enter and compete in its primary market,” the statement said.
The company also highlighted its robust product traceability and compliance systems, which it said enable full visibility across its supply chain.
These measures include detailed documentation of product lifting points, nominated vessels, counterparties involved in transactions, and declared destinations for shipments.
According to management, suggestions that the refinery facilitates or tolerates the re-importation of its products are inconsistent with both its contractual safeguards and established compliance standards.
The refinery reiterated its long-standing position in support of reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products. It argued that encouraging re-importation would undermine local refining capacity, place additional pressure on foreign exchange reserves, and weaken efforts aimed at promoting industrial growth and self-sufficiency in the energy sector.
Dangote Refinery maintained that there is no strategic, economic, or operational basis for claims that it exports petroleum products for the purpose of re-importation into Nigeria. It said the allegations fail to withstand scrutiny when assessed against market realities, contractual arrangements, and accepted industry practices.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s energy security, supporting local refining initiatives, and contributing to industrial development across Africa.
“Dangote Refinery remains focused on its mission to enhance energy security, support local refining, and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s industrial development,” the statement concluded.
