The Management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has dismissed reports alleging that its petroleum products are exported to Lomé and subsequently re-imported into Nigeria, describing the claims as “unfounded and misleading.”
In a statement, the company said it was aware of the circulation of what it called “deliberate misinformation,” adding that while it generally avoids responding to baseless allegations, it was compelled to clarify the issue in the interest of transparency.
“Management considers it necessary to address this deliberate misinformation,” the statement said. “The allegation is not supported by verifiable trade data, commercial logic, or the operational realities of Dangote Refinery.”
The refinery reiterated that its core mandate is to strengthen domestic fuel supply and serve as a leading provider of petroleum products within Nigeria. It stressed that any practice enabling imports to compete with local production would contradict this objective.
It added that all sales contracts and tender agreements explicitly prohibit the resale or re-importation of Dangote Refinery products into Nigeria.
The company also rejected the economic feasibility of the alleged trade route, arguing that the cost structure makes such transactions commercially unviable.
“Estimated logistics costs for transporting products from the refinery to Lomé and back into Nigeria range between US$82–90 per metric ton,” it said, noting that additional shipping, storage, financing and handling costs would erode any potential margins.
According to the refinery, it does not offer export discounts capable of creating arbitrage opportunities between domestic and external markets. It added that no rational producer would export products only for them to be re-imported at higher cost into its primary market.
The management further highlighted what it described as strict traceability systems, including detailed records of lifting points, nominated vessels, counterparties and declared destinations, which ensure full visibility across its supply chain.
It said these safeguards make any suggestion of facilitated re-importation inconsistent with its contractual and compliance frameworks.
Dangote Refinery also reiterated its long-standing position on reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products, warning that any form of re-importation would undermine local refining efforts, strain foreign exchange reserves and weaken industrial development.
“The allegation is entirely unfounded and does not withstand scrutiny when measured against market logic, contractual frameworks, and industry practices,” the statement added.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening energy security, supporting domestic refining capacity and contributing to Africa’s broader industrial growth agenda.
