By Arinze Uzo
Business News Correspondent
Africa’s richest man and Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has firmly dismissed recent claims by petroleum marketers suggesting that the Dangote Refinery lacks the capacity to meet Nigeria’s fuel demands. Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos on Sunday, Dangote assured Nigerians that his refinery is not only capable of supplying sufficient volumes of refined petroleum products but is also on track to significantly reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuel.
The statement comes in response to assertions from some downstream sector stakeholders who argued that the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery may not be able to cater to national fuel consumption needs due to infrastructural and logistical challenges. However, Dangote refuted those claims as “unfounded and misleading,” stating that the refinery is fully equipped with world-class technology and operates in accordance with global standards.
“We have invested over $19 billion in this refinery not to fall short but to provide a lasting solution to Nigeria’s persistent fuel importation problems,” Dangote said. “Our facility is designed to refine all products locally—PMS, diesel, aviation fuel, and kerosene—at the highest quality and volume required by our country.”
Strategic Vision and National Impact
Dangote emphasized that the goal of the refinery is not merely profit-making but nation-building. With Nigeria spending billions of dollars annually on fuel imports, the billionaire businessman insisted that self-sufficiency is long overdue. He noted that the refinery’s full operations will not only stabilize domestic fuel supply but also support the naira, create jobs, and significantly reduce pressure on Nigeria’s foreign reserves.
“Our objective has always been to end Nigeria’s over-reliance on foreign refined products. This refinery can produce more than what we consume. As we speak, we are already in talks to begin exporting refined products to other African countries,” he added.
He also clarified that any current gaps in fuel availability are temporary and part of the phased operational rollout. According to him, the refinery has already begun diesel and aviation fuel production, with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) production expected to begin shortly after ongoing adjustments are completed.
Marketers’ Allegations and Rebuttals
Responding directly to the criticisms from independent marketers and associations claiming there was inadequate distribution or pricing strategy, Dangote said the refinery has maintained transparent communication with key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and major distribution networks.
“Some of these concerns are based on a lack of information or perhaps vested interests. We are committed to fair and equitable distribution and are working hand-in-hand with regulators and marketers who are genuinely interested in seeing this project succeed,” he said.
He cautioned against politically or commercially motivated efforts to undermine the refinery’s credibility and urged marketers to engage constructively rather than promote misinformation.
A New Era for Nigeria’s Energy Sector
Energy analysts have pointed out that the Dangote Refinery represents a transformative opportunity for Nigeria to reposition itself as a major player in the global oil and gas market—not just as a crude exporter but as a refined product supplier. The completion and scaling of this project are expected to lower fuel prices in the long term, improve product availability, and reduce Nigeria’s fuel import bill, which has long strained public finances.
In closing, Dangote called on Nigerians to be patient and supportive during the refinery’s final phase of ramping up. He reiterated his commitment to transparency, national development, and restoring dignity to Nigeria’s energy independence.
“Let us work together to see this vision through. We have built the largest single-train refinery in the world right here in Nigeria—this is not just a Dangote project, it is a Nigerian achievement,” he concluded.
