Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has strongly denied reports alleging that its petroleum products are exported to Lomé, Togo, and later re-imported into Nigeria. The company described the claims as false, misleading, and unsupported by facts.
In a statement released by its management, the refinery said the allegation does not align with available trade data, business realities, or the refinery’s operational model. According to the company, its primary objective is to meet Nigeria’s fuel needs and strengthen local petroleum supply, making such a practice illogical and counterproductive.
The refinery explained that allowing imported products to compete with fuel refined locally would go against its mission of supporting domestic energy security. It stressed that all its sales agreements and export contracts contain strict clauses that prevent buyers from reselling or re-importing its products into Nigeria.
Dangote Refinery also challenged the economic feasibility of the alleged arrangement. The company noted that transporting petroleum products from Nigeria to Lomé and then bringing them back into the country would attract significant logistics expenses.
According to management, the estimated cost of moving fuel through such a route ranges between $82 and $90 per metric ton. These additional expenses would make the business unattractive and financially unsustainable.
The company further stated that it does not offer export discounts large enough to absorb those costs or create opportunities for traders to profit from price differences between export and local markets.
“It would make no commercial sense for a producer to spend extra money on shipping, storage, financing, and handling only for the products to return and compete in its main market,” the statement explained.
To reinforce its position, Dangote Refinery highlighted the systems it has in place to monitor the movement of its products. The company said it maintains strict product-tracking procedures that document loading points, vessels used for transportation, business partners involved in transactions, and the declared destinations of shipments.
These measures, according to the refinery, provide complete visibility across its supply chain and ensure accountability at every stage of distribution.
Management insisted that suggestions that the refinery encourages or permits re-importation are inconsistent with its contractual arrangements and compliance standards.
The company also pointed out that it has consistently supported efforts to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products. It argued that encouraging re-importation would undermine local refining capacity, increase pressure on foreign exchange reserves, and slow industrial development in the country.
Dangote Refinery maintained that there is no strategic, operational, or economic reason for it to export products only for them to return to Nigeria. It described the allegation as baseless and said it does not stand up to scrutiny when examined from a commercial or industry perspective.
The refinery reaffirmed its commitment to boosting Nigeria’s energy security, supporting local refining activities, and contributing to industrial growth across Africa. It added that its focus remains on delivering high-quality petroleum products to both local and international markets while advancing economic development on the continent.
