By Mardiyyah Abubakar
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has dismissed claims that its petroleum products are exported to Lomé and later re-imported into Nigeria.
In a statement, the company described the allegation as misleading and unsupported by facts, trade data, or commercial realities.
Although the refinery said it does not usually respond to baseless claims, management stated that it was necessary to address the issue in the interest of transparency.
“The allegation is not supported by verifiable trade data, commercial logic, or the operational realities of Dangote Refinery,” the statement said.
The company stressed that one of its key objectives is to strengthen domestic fuel supply and remain a leading supplier of petroleum products in Nigeria.
According to the refinery, allowing imports to compete directly with its own products would go against that objective.
Management also confirmed that all sales contracts and tender agreements expressly prohibit the resale or re-importation of Dangote Refinery products into Nigeria.
The refinery further argued that the economics of the alleged trade route do not make business sense.
It estimated that transporting petroleum products from the refinery to Lomé and back into Nigeria would cost between $82 and $90 per metric ton.
The company said such expenses would significantly reduce profit margins and make the transaction commercially unviable.
“Dangote Refinery does not offer export discounts that could offset these costs or create arbitrage opportunities between export and domestic markets,” the statement noted.
The refinery added that no rational producer would bear extra shipping, storage, financing, and handling costs only for the products to return and compete in its primary market.
Management also highlighted its strict product-tracking system, which records lifting points, vessels, counterparties, and declared destinations.
According to the company, these measures ensure transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain.
The refinery maintained that any suggestion that it supports or facilitates re-importation contradicts its contractual safeguards and compliance standards.
It also reiterated its long-standing position on reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
The company warned that encouraging re-importation would undermine local refining efforts, put pressure on foreign exchange reserves, and weaken industrial growth.
Dangote Refinery concluded that there is no strategic, economic, or operational basis for the allegation.
“The claim is entirely unfounded and does not withstand scrutiny when measured against market logic, contractual frameworks, and industry practices,” the statement added.
The refinery said it remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s energy security, supporting local refining, and contributing to Africa’s industrial development.
