By Peace Udugba
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has dismissed reports alleging that its petroleum products are exported to Lomé, Togo, and later re-imported into Nigeria, describing the claims as false, misleading and lacking factual basis.
In a statement issued by its management, the company said it was compelled to respond in the interest of transparency, despite its policy of not engaging in baseless allegations.
According to the refinery, the claims are not supported by verifiable trade data, commercial realities or its operational framework. It stressed that one of its core objectives is to strengthen domestic fuel supply and remain a leading provider of petroleum products in Nigeria.
The company stated that all its sales contracts and tender agreements expressly prohibit the resale or re-importation of its products into Nigeria, noting that any such practice would undermine its mandate.
Dangote Refinery also argued that the economics of transporting products from Nigeria to Lomé and back are commercially unviable, with logistics costs estimated at between $82 and $90 per metric tonne.
“Dangote Refinery does not provide export discounts sufficient to offset these costs or create arbitrage opportunities between export and domestic markets.
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 said.
Management further disclosed that the refinery operates strict product traceability measures, including records of lifting points, nominated vessels, counterparties and declared destinations, to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain.
It maintained that suggestions that the company facilitates or tolerates re-importation are inconsistent with its contractual safeguards and compliance standards.
The refinery reiterated its commitment to reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products, warning that any practice encouraging re-importation would undermine local refining efforts, weaken industrial growth and place additional pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
Dangote Refinery insisted that there is no strategic, economic or operational basis for the allegations and reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing energy security, supporting local refining and contributing to Africa’s industrial development.
