Dangote Refinery Rejects Re-Importation Claims

Dangote Refinery has dismissed reports alleging that its petroleum products are exported to Lomé and later brought back into Nigeria.

Dangote Refinery has responded to claims circulating in some quarters that its petroleum products are shipped to Lomé and subsequently re-imported into Nigeria. The company described the allegations as misleading and unsupported by facts, stating that they do not align with commercial realities or the refinery’s operational objectives.

In a statement, management explained that the refinery rarely responds to unverified claims. However, it decided to address the issue publicly to ensure transparency and correct what it described as deliberate misinformation.

According to the company, one of the key goals of Dangote Refinery is to strengthen domestic fuel supply and remain a major supplier of petroleum products within Nigeria. Management argued that supporting any process that allows imported products to compete with its own output would directly conflict with that mission.

The company further stated that all sales agreements and tender contracts contain clear provisions that prohibit the resale or re-importation of Dangote Refinery products into Nigeria. It also highlighted the economic challenges associated with such a trade route, noting that transport costs between the refinery and Lomé, and back into Nigeria, are estimated at between US$82 and US$90 per metric ton.

Management said these additional expenses would significantly reduce profitability and make the transaction commercially impractical. The refinery also stressed that it does not offer export discounts capable of creating arbitrage opportunities between foreign and domestic markets.

In addition, the company revealed that it operates strict product traceability systems that monitor lifting points, vessels, counterparties and declared destinations. These measures provide oversight across the supply chain and support compliance standards.

The statement concluded that there is no strategic, operational or economic justification for the allegations and reaffirmed the refinery’s commitment to energy security, local refining, and Africa’s industrial development.

Do you think stronger transparency measures in the petroleum sector would help reduce the spread of misinformation?