The standoff between the Dangote Refinery and
the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN)
has deepened, with both parties exchanging sharp statements over allegations of
product diversion, subsidy demands, and anti-competitive practices.
On Wednesday, DAPPMAN issued a seven-day ultimatum
to the refinery to retract its claim that marketers were diverting petroleum
products to neighbouring countries or face legal action. The association argued
that the allegation not only cast aspersions on its members but also questioned
the integrity of key regulators such as the Nigerian Midstream and
Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NMDPRA), Customs, and border
authorities.
“This not only undermines public confidence in these
institutions but also poses a subtle threat to the Tinubu administration’s
reform agenda,” DAPPMAN said, stressing its support for deregulation and
competition.
Responding in a late-night statement, the Dangote
Refinery dismissed the ultimatum, maintaining that it was ready to defend
its position in court. It alleged that DAPPMAN’s recent criticisms were linked
to its refusal to grant what it described as a hidden subsidy request of ?1.505
trillion annually.
According to the refinery, marketers had insisted on
taking delivery of products via coastal logistics — an arrangement that adds ?75
per litre in extra costs — and asked Dangote to absorb or pass on the cost
to Nigerians. “We have no intention of increasing our gantry price to
accommodate such demands, nor are we willing to pay a subsidy of over ?1.5
trillion, a practice that historically defrauded the Federal Government,” the
statement read.
The refinery further disclosed that between June and
September 2025, it exported 3,229,881 metric tonnes of refined products,
while marketers imported 3,687,828 metric tonnes, describing the move as
dumping, harmful to the economy, and undermining domestic refining capacity.
Reaffirming its support for President Bola Tinubu’s
reforms, Dangote Petroleum Refinery said it continues to play a key role in
stabilising the naira, cushioning the effects of subsidy removal, and
positioning Nigeria as a refining hub.
“Dangote Petroleum Refinery remains firmly committed
to the progress and well-being of Nigeria, and is open to partnerships with
patriotic and responsible stakeholders in pursuit of national development,” it
said.
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