Nigerian Petroleum Marketers Challenge Dangote Refinery To Show Evidence Of Sabotage, Smuggling
Nigerian Petroleum Marketers Challenge Dangote Refinery To Show Evidence Of Sabotage, Smuggling
In a statement by DAPPMAN, denied sponsoring the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) strike, dismissing the allegation as “false and baseless.”
The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has rejected claims made by Dangote Petroleum Refinery in a recent press statement, accusing the company of distortion and attempts to edge competitors out of Nigeria’s downstream oil sector.
In a statement by DAPPMAN, denied sponsoring the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) strike, dismissing the allegation as “false and baseless.”
The association stressed that stakeholders in the downstream industry — including NUPENG, NARTO, PETROAN, MEMAN, IPMAN, and DAPPMAN — are independent entities with distinct roles.
“The refinery’s claim that DAPPMAN sponsored NUPENG suggests a fundamental lack of understanding of how Nigeria’s downstream ecosystem works.
Stakeholders such as NUPENG, NARTO, PETROAN, MEMAN, IPMAN, and DAPPMAN are independent entities, each with distinct roles and interests. DAPPMAN does not control labour unions or other industry associations and has no business interfering in their decisions.
“DAPPMAN did not sponsor or support NUPENG’s proposed industrial action. Our role has been one of de-escalation, focused on averting disruption to fuel supply and national mobility.”
On fuel pricing, DAPPMAN said recent reductions were driven by government reforms, a stronger naira, and falling global crude prices, not by Dangote Refinery.
They stated, “Market Pricing: Not a Dangote-Driven Outcome.The recent reductions in pump prices are primarily the result of:
“A stronger naira (₦1,500–₦1,550/$ since Q1 2025), supported by the fiscal and monetary reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
“Declining international crude prices (Brent crude fell from $92 to $76 per barrel), market deregulation and improved FX liquidity under the current administration.”
It also accused the refinery of granting discounts to foreign traders while restricting Nigerian marketers’ access, creating opportunities for arbitrage.
Pricing “Offshore Lome” reflects international market transactions and is not the same as retail pricing within Lome, Togo.
“It is, in fact, the Dangote Refinery that offers discounts of over $40/MT to foreign traders while denying Nigerian marketers access to coastal vessel loading and restricting them to gantry-only lifting. This restrictive access and pricing structure create the very arbitrage opportunity the refinery now criticizes.”
The association further challenged Dangote’s claims on fuel quality, supply volumes, and product diversion, insisting the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) remains the only credible custodian of such records.
Raising concerns about safety, DAPPMAN criticized Dangote’s plan to deploy 4,000 new CNG trucks, warning of heightened risks without proper training and regulatory oversight.
It also accused the refinery of disparaging regulators, undermining public confidence in government reforms.
Issuing a seven-day ultimatum, DAPPMAN demanded Dangote provide evidence of alleged product diversion or retract the claim, warning of possible legal action.
The group maintained it supports deregulation, fair competition, and consumer choice, but vowed to resist any attempt to create a monopoly in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
The statement read, “DAPPMAN members operate hundreds of depots and thousands of filling stations across Nigeria. NARTO manages a fleet of over 30,000 trucks.
“This national infrastructure cannot depend on a single supply source or be replaced by a one-location refinery. Attempts to do so signal a deliberate push toward monopolization.
“We reject statements that belittle the infrastructure and investment of marketers and distributors as “mere assets.” Such remarks are disrespectful to the hundreds of billions invested by Nigerian entrepreneurs over decades.
“Every player in the value chain, refiners, bulk traders, depot operators, transporters, and retailers, has a defined and vital role. Demanding that marketers build refineries betrays a lack of understanding of modern petroleum economies.”
According to them, “While DAPPMAN supports the introduction of CNG trucks as a cleaner energy initiative, safety cannot be compromised. The Dangote Group has a well-documented history of fatal road crashes linked to poorly trained or unsupervised drivers. Only weeks ago, Nigerians mourned the lives lost in tragic accidents involving Dangote cement trucks across multiple states.
“Adding 4,000 new trucks to Nigeria’s already strained road network without mandatory training, retraining, and safety audits only heightens the risk of further tragedies, this time involving highly flammable petroleum products.
“We therefore call on the FRSC, insurance industry, and relevant regulators to conduct a comprehensive audit of Dangote’s transport operations and road safety record. Mandatory driver vetting and retraining must be a precondition before widespread deployment of these trucks.
“Residents along major corridors, such as the Lekki-Epe Expressway, are already experiencing worsening congestion and road wear due to increased truck traffic. Without immediate intervention, the risks to lives, property, and public infrastructure will escalate,” they said.
DAPPMAN noted that Dangote’s statements implicitly accuse NMDPRA, Customs, and border agencies of regulatory failure.
“This not only undermines public confidence in these institutions but poses a subtle threat to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s reform agenda. The administration has supported deregulation and competition. DAPPMAN supports these reforms fully. The refinery’s actions suggest a preference for protectionism and dominance.
“We challenge Dangote Refinery to present verifiable evidence that DAPPMAN members are diverting products to neighbouring countries.
“Smuggling is a national security matter. If any member is complicit, let the relevant agencies act.
“We issue a 7-day ultimatum to the refinery to either retract this allegation or provide documented proof. If neither occurs, we reserve the right to seek legal redress.
“We Demand Fair Competition, Not Monopolies. DAPPMAN does not seek conflict. We seek a petroleum market where all players follow the same rules.
“Consumers benefit from efficiency and choice. Supply is diversified, safe, and competitive. We will resist any attempt to create a monopoly masked as patriotism,” they added.
