Dangote Vows Refinery Won’t Fall to Oil Mafia’s Sabotage

Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Group, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the Lekki refinery remains impervious to efforts by entrenched “oil mafia” interests seeking to sabotage its success. Speaking recently at an investor forum in Lagos, Dangote urged stakeholders to support reforms that enable the refinery to operate without obstruction, insisting that despite resistance, the facility will succeed fully.

Dangote has repeatedly raised alarm over attempts by individuals and groups who benefit from importing refined petroleum products to undermine domestic refining. He claims these actors, both local and foreign, have stood to lose vast profits with the commissioning of Africa’s largest refinery—and are trying actively to frustrate its operations. “We’re fighting, and the fight is not yet finished,” Dangote said. “But I have been fighting all my life, and I am ready and 100 percent sure I will win.”

Among the tactics alleged, Dangote cited delays in crude oil supply, resistance in regulatory enforcements, and possible interference in the downstream supply chain. He described how those used to profiting from importing fuel appear to be pushing back against policies that reduce import reliance, calling the “mafia” network in oil more challenging than typical criminal organisations. According to him, these interests are determined to keep Nigeria dependent on imports of refined products rather than allowing local refining to flourish.

Support has come from various quarters. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has expressed solidarity with Dangote, insisting that direct fuel distribution by the refinery will create wider benefits across the sector. Civil society groups are also calling on government authorities to ensure the refinery’s operations are protected—urging tighter regulation, transparency, and enforcement against corrupt practices that would undermine downstream sector reforms.

At the core of Dangote’s argument is domestic crude supply. The refinery had initially hoped to depend significantly on Nigerian-sourced crude as part of the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation (DCSO), legislation that mandates oil producers supply local refiners. According to Dangote, compliance with the supply law has been weak, raising costs and complicating operations. He has repeatedly urged regulators to enforce domestic supply rules strictly, both for the refinery’s stability and for national energy security.

Despite these challenges, Dangote insists the refinery is making progress. It has begun gasoline exports and is meeting certain production targets. He says the vision remains to reduce fuel imports, stabilize local pricing, and strengthen Nigeria’s position in refining globally. For him, maintaining full operational integrity means ensuring the refinery isn’t derailed by vested interests who stood to profit from the status quo.

Critics, however, warn that such opposition—from both “mafia” actors and regulatory bottlenecks—could delay the benefits that Nigerians expect: lower fuel costs, steadier supply, and reduced pressure on foreign exchange. They argue that if importers continue to find loopholes or import refined products under preferential conditions, Dangote’s competitive advantage could be undercut, and the cost benefits to end-users may not fully materialize.

On the government front, some officials have expressed support for Dangote’s stance, noting that reforming downstream regulation and removing arbitrary import privileges are necessary steps. The Federal Government has already removed some import restrictions and allowed private marketers to buy directly from the refinery, which aligns with Dangote’s push for a more transparent and competitive system.

Looking ahead, Dangote says there will be “major shakedowns” in the downstream sector—reforms geared toward dismantling the informal, opaque channels that have enabled importers to resist full adoption of local refining. He did not specify all the details, but indicated these will include stricter enforcement of licensing, more robust regulations for procurement and supply, and streamlined logistics to ensure domestic marketers can access Dangote’s refined products without unfair barriers.

For many Nigerians, the promise of a refinery that isn’t vulnerable to sabotage is not just about corporate interest—it’s about national progress. Ensuring that the refinery functions as intended could mean reduced fuel import bills, more stable fuel prices, and a more resilient energy supply. For Dangote, the vow to not fall to what he calls the “oil mafia” is a statement of intent to see that vision through, regardless of resistance.