Dangote Refinery Debunks Claims of Fuel Re-Importation into Nigeria, Calls Report Misleading

Dangote Refinery Debunks Claims of Fuel Re-Importation into Nigeria, Calls Report Misleading

Dangote Refinery Rejects Allegations of Fuel Re-Importation Through Togo

The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has strongly denied reports suggesting that Nigerian fuel marketers are re-importing petroleum products exported from its refinery through the Lomé trading hub in Togo.

Responding to a recent claim by S&P Global, the refinery described the allegation as "unfounded, misleading, and inconsistent with commercial realities."

In an official statement released on Wednesday, the company stressed that there is no economic, strategic, or operational basis for such a practice and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria's domestic fuel supply.

Dangote Refinery Says Re-Importation Claims Lack Evidence

According to the refinery's management, the report is not supported by verifiable trade data, market logic, or the operational structure of the refinery.

"Management states unequivocally that the allegation is not supported by verifiable trade data, commercial logic, or the operational realities of the Dangote refinery," the statement said.

The company emphasized that one of its primary objectives is to reduce Nigeria's dependence on imported petroleum products while ensuring adequate local supply.

Why Re-Importing Dangote Fuel Makes No Business Sense

Dangote Refinery explained that transporting fuel from Nigeria to Lomé and then shipping it back into Nigeria would significantly increase costs and reduce profitability.

The refinery estimated that logistics expenses for such a route would range between $82 and $90 per metric tonne, making the transaction commercially unattractive.

According to the company, additional expenses including shipping, storage, financing, insurance, and handling charges would eliminate any potential profit margin.

"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 noted.

Contracts Strictly Prohibit Re-Importation

The refinery further revealed that all export agreements, sales contracts, and tender arrangements explicitly prohibit the resale or re-importation of Dangote petroleum products into Nigeria.

This contractual safeguard, according to the company, is designed to protect local refining operations and maintain market integrity.

The management stressed that any suggestion that Dangote Refinery encourages or allows re-importation directly contradicts its established policies and compliance standards.

Advanced Tracking Systems Ensure Product Accountability

Dangote Refinery also highlighted its robust product traceability systems, which provide full visibility across its supply chain.

The company maintains detailed records covering:

- Product lifting points

- Nominated vessels

- Approved counterparties

- Declared destinations

- Export documentation

These monitoring systems ensure transparency and accountability from production to final delivery.

Dangote Reaffirms Commitment to Nigeria's Energy Independence

The refinery reiterated that enabling petroleum products to be re-imported into Nigeria would undermine the country's efforts to achieve energy security and industrial growth.

Management argued that such practices would increase pressure on foreign exchange reserves, weaken local refining capacity, and contradict national economic objectives.

The company emphasized that its mission remains focused on boosting domestic fuel production, reducing import dependence, and supporting Nigeria's economic development.

Final Verdict

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has firmly dismissed claims that its exported fuel products are being re-imported into Nigeria through Togo, insisting that the allegations fail to withstand scrutiny.

The company maintains that strict contractual restrictions, high logistics costs, and comprehensive product tracking systems make such transactions impractical and commercially unviable.

As Africa's largest refinery continues to ramp up production, Dangote says its focus remains on strengthening local fuel availability and reducing Nigeria's reliance on imported petroleum products.

Keywords:

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 Description:

Dangote Refinery has denied claims that Nigerian marketers re-import fuel exported to Togo, describing the report as misleading and commercially unrealistic.