Dangote Refinery has dismissed reports alleging that its Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, commonly known as petrol, is exported to Lomé, Togo, and subsequently re-imported into Nigeria, describing the claims as false, misleading and inconsistent with commercial realities.
In a statement issued by its management, the refinery said the allegation lacks verifiable trade data and contradicts the operational objectives of the company, which are focused on strengthening domestic fuel supply and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
The company stated that while it does not usually respond to what it described as baseless allegations, it considered it necessary to clarify the issue in the interest of transparency and public understanding.
According to the refinery, all sales contracts and tender agreements contain clear provisions prohibiting the resale or re-importation of its petroleum products into Nigeria.
Management maintained that allowing imported products to compete directly with its own locally refined products would run contrary to the refinery’s core mandate of supporting domestic supply and strengthening Nigeria’s energy security.
The company further argued that the economics of the alleged export-and-reimport route do not support the claims. It explained that estimated logistics costs associated with transporting products from the refinery to Lomé and back into Nigeria range between $82 and $90 per metric tonne, making such transactions commercially unattractive.
“Dangote Refinery does not provide export discounts sufficient to offset these costs or create arbitrage opportunities between export and domestic markets,” the statement said.
“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 refinery also highlighted its product traceability systems, noting that it maintains detailed records covering lifting points, nominated vessels, counterparties and declared destinations of all products. According to management, these measures ensure accountability and visibility throughout the supply chain.
It stressed that suggestions that the refinery facilitates or tolerates re-importation are inconsistent with its contractual safeguards and compliance procedures.
The company reiterated that encouraging the re-importation of refined petroleum products would undermine local refining efforts, place additional pressure on Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves and weaken industrial growth objectives.
Management therefore concluded that there is no strategic, operational or economic basis for the allegation, insisting that the claims do not stand up to scrutiny when examined against market realities, contractual arrangements and established industry practices.
The refinery reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing energy security, supporting local refining capacity and contributing to industrial development across Nigeria and Africa.
