By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
Nigerian oil marketers are seeking direct access to Dangote fuel amidst import concerns.
The marketers want direct sourcing of petroleum products from Dangote Petroleum Refinery, responding to recent remarks by Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, about insufficient uptake of the facility’s products.
The refinery, a $20 billion project based in Lekki, reportedly has a 500-million-liter petrol stock, yet the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and independent marketers continue to rely heavily on imports.
Dangote voiced his concerns in Abuja after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Finance Minister Wale Edun, and NNPCL Group CEO Mele Kyari. He stressed that his refinery produces enough petrol to meet local demand, urging retailers to stop importing and instead source from the local facility. “I’m not in the business of retail,” he explained. “Retailers should come forward and pick up the product because we have what they need.”
In response, the Petroleum Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) reiterated their willingness to buy from the Dangote refinery but highlighted procedural barriers.
PETROAN President Billy Gillis-Harry shared that they initially reached out in 2022, seeking a formal business meeting to establish terms. “We’re willing to purchase, but there must be a transparent process in place,” he said.
IPMAN members also raised concerns, pointing to delays despite paying N40 billion through the NNPCL for access to fuel at the refinery. According to IPMAN President Abubakar Maigandi, some members waited with trucks for days without successfully loading any products. “If the refinery truly has 500 million liters ready, then our members should be able to access it without delay,” he stated, suggesting that Dangote consider direct registration of independent marketers to simplify access.
Despite these challenges, Dangote reassured that his facility could sustain local demand for over 12 days with current stock. As discussions continue, both PETROAN and IPMAN remain eager to secure a more streamlined, reliable process to access products from the refinery.
