Oil marketers across Nigeria have clarified their position regarding the ongoing operations of the Dangote Refinery, stating that they are not opposed to the $20 billion mega facility. Instead, their primary concern remains ensuring that Nigerians have consistent access to high-quality petroleum products at fair and affordable prices.
The clarification comes amid growing public speculation that some marketers might be sabotaging or resisting the emergence of the Dangote Refinery, which recently began supplying diesel and aviation fuel to the domestic market and is preparing to roll out Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
Speaking under the aegis of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), industry leaders emphasized that they welcome Dangote’s presence in the sector, seeing it as a game-changer capable of reducing Nigeria’s over-reliance on fuel imports.
“We are not against Dangote Refinery in any form. Our focus is, and has always been, on ensuring that Nigerians can access high-quality petroleum products at reasonable prices,” one senior member of MOMAN said.
Oil marketers, however, urged transparency and open access when it comes to fuel distribution. They emphasized the need for a level playing field where the supply of petroleum products — whether from Dangote or other sources — would be made available to all stakeholders fairly, without monopolistic practices.
They also called for clarity regarding pricing, particularly as Dangote’s refinery sets the tone for future domestic refining in Nigeria. Many marketers pointed out that while diesel and aviation fuel from Dangote have already entered the market, petrol pricing must be carefully monitored to avoid fluctuations that could hurt consumers and retailers alike.
“We support local refining — it is what the country needs. But we also want to avoid a situation where prices are set without engagement or competition,” said Alhaji Debo Ahmed, a respected IPMAN executive.
In response to these concerns, stakeholders in the downstream sector have begun discussions with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Dangote Group to foster transparent pricing mechanisms and inclusive distribution channels.
Analysts say this kind of dialogue is critical as Nigeria transitions from an import-dependent fuel market to one driven by local refining. The Dangote Refinery — capable of processing 650,000 barrels of crude oil daily — is expected to meet most of the country’s fuel needs, reducing pressure on the naira and stabilizing domestic supply.
However, experts warn that for the refinery’s benefits to fully reach the public, collaboration between all stakeholders — refiners, marketers, regulators, and the government — is essential.
Meanwhile, the Dangote Group has continued to assure Nigerians that its refinery will prioritize local supply before exports. It recently announced plans to begin petrol supply in August 2025, with the promise of competitive pricing and high quality.
As the Nigerian energy landscape evolves, oil marketers say their commitment remains unchanged: protecting the interests of consumers and ensuring access to affordable, clean, and reliable fuel.