Dangote Dismisses Interest in NNPC Refineries, Criticises DAPPMAN’s Claims

Africa’s richest man and President of Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has categorically dismissed suggestions that he is interested in purchasing or taking over any of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) refineries, describing such reports as false and misleading. He also took a swipe at the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) over recent remarks concerning operations at the Dangote Refinery, calling them “uninformed and unnecessary provocations”.

Dangote, while speaking at a media parley in Lagos, said he has no plans to acquire any of the state-owned refineries, noting that his company’s focus remains on running its privately built 650,000-barrels-per-day integrated refinery in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos. He emphasised that the Dangote Refinery was built to global standards to help Nigeria achieve self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products, not to compete with or replace government-owned refineries.

“I am not interested in buying any of the NNPC refineries,” Dangote stated firmly. “Our refinery was conceived to end the importation of refined products and make Nigeria an exporter. We have invested billions of dollars to build a modern, efficient refinery that can meet domestic needs and export to other markets. So, why would I want to buy outdated refineries that have not been operational for years?” he queried.

The industrialist also addressed what he described as attempts by certain industry players to discredit the refinery’s operations through public statements and lobbying. Dangote accused DAPPMAN of misrepresenting facts about the refinery’s pricing, supply chain, and market dominance. “I have no issue with competition, but spreading misinformation about our operations is not the way to build a healthy petroleum industry,” he said.

DAPPMAN, an influential group representing major petroleum product marketers, had recently expressed concern over what it described as a lack of market fairness and transparency surrounding the distribution of refined products from the Dangote Refinery. The association alleged that Dangote’s operations could distort market dynamics and threaten the survival of smaller marketers if not properly regulated.

But Dangote dismissed these claims, describing them as baseless and self-serving. He said the refinery operates under strict regulatory oversight and adheres to global best practices in pricing and distribution. “We are not operating outside the law. Every litre of refined product from our facility goes through the proper regulatory channels. What some marketers fear is not monopoly but efficiency,” Dangote remarked.

He explained that the refinery’s scale and efficiency naturally allow it to deliver refined products at lower costs compared to imported alternatives. “We source our crude locally and refine it domestically. That means reduced logistics costs, less forex pressure, and cheaper products for Nigerians. Our goal is to stabilise the market, not dominate it,” he said.

Addressing insinuations that his refinery has been receiving preferential treatment from government agencies, Dangote said his company has not enjoyed any special privileges from the Federal Government or NNPCL. “Let me make it clear — there are no sweetheart deals. We buy crude like every other refiner. Our transactions with NNPCL are purely commercial,” he clarified.

He also took a jab at critics who claim that his refinery poses a threat to the survival of independent marketers and importers, saying such fears are misplaced. “We should be celebrating the fact that Nigeria finally has a functional world-class refinery, not attacking it. The refinery will save the country billions in foreign exchange and create thousands of jobs,” he added.

Reacting to DAPPMAN’s earlier comments, industry analysts observed that the marketers’ concerns reflect broader tensions in the downstream sector as Nigeria transitions from a heavy dependence on imported fuel to local refining. Energy economist Dr. Abiodun Adesanya noted that Dangote’s dominance in refining could reshape market dynamics but argued that regulators must ensure fair competition. “The Dangote Refinery’s scale is unprecedented, so market restructuring is inevitable. What’s important is maintaining transparency and ensuring other players are not unfairly excluded,” he said.

The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has maintained that all refinery operators, including Dangote, are subject to the same pricing and licensing regulations. Officials have repeatedly stated that the government welcomes private investment in refining to end the recurring fuel import crises.

Dangote also expressed disappointment at the constant speculation about his company’s supposed plans to acquire moribund government refineries, saying such rumours were politically motivated. “Those spreading these stories don’t understand how business works. We’re focused on innovation and progress, not on buying liabilities,” he said.

He reminded Nigerians that the NNPC’s refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna are undergoing rehabilitation and that the Federal Government remains the sole owner of those assets. “It makes no economic sense for us to acquire facilities that are already under refurbishment. Our refinery is already capable of meeting domestic fuel demand and exporting surplus products,” he stated.

The Dangote Group boss reaffirmed his company’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy security and reducing the country’s dependence on imported petroleum products. He noted that once operating at full capacity, the refinery would produce not just petrol and diesel but also aviation fuel, polypropylene, and other petrochemical derivatives for local industries.

Industry observers believe Dangote’s firm stance is a signal that Nigeria’s refining sector is entering a new phase of competition and accountability. The Dangote Refinery, now ramping up to full operations, is projected to play a critical role in stabilising fuel supply and strengthening Nigeria’s balance of payments by cutting import bills.

Despite criticisms, Dangote maintains that his focus is on efficiency, local value creation, and transparency. “Our mission has always been to build industries that make Nigeria self-reliant. The refinery is for Nigeria and Africa — not for Dangote alone,” he concluded.

 

With his latest remarks, Dangote appears determined to steer the refinery’s narrative away from political distractions and toward its core purpose — transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape, creating jobs, and boosting industrial development across the continent.