Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Refinery, has urged the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other fuel importers to cease importing fuel products, emphasizing that the refinery currently holds over 500 million litres of fuel in its storage tanks. According to Dangote, the refinery has sufficient capacity to meet domestic demand, provided it receives adequate crude oil supplies.
Following his meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Dangote addressed the ongoing fuel shortages and long queues at filling stations across Nigeria. He noted that Dangote Refinery has the capability to produce more than 30 million litres of fuel per day, a quantity he argues could effectively meet the country’s fuel consumption needs and eliminate queues at filling stations. “If they don’t come forward and pick, what do you want me to do? I am expecting either NNPC or the marketers to stop importing, they should come and pick because we have what they need,” Dangote told reporters. He emphasized that if marketers collect fuel from the refinery, they could distribute it across Nigeria just as they currently do with imports.
The current fuel situation has reportedly caused significant financial losses for Dangote Refinery, as maintaining large fuel reserves in storage tanks incurs high costs. Dangote highlighted the economic impact of the unused inventory, stating, “I’m losing 32% in interest on money tied up in fuel stock. This daily expense impacts operations, as keeping 500 million litres on standby is financially unsustainable.” He urged local marketers to capitalize on the readily available supply, assuring them that the refinery could consistently supply the market with at least 30 million litres of fuel per day.
The refinery, however, does not engage in retail sales or own fuel distribution trucks. Dangote emphasized that the role of the refinery is production, not distribution, and encouraged licensed retailers to purchase fuel directly from his facility. He noted that if they can distribute imported fuel, they should be able to do the same with fuel produced domestically.
Dangote concluded that if distributors reliably collect fuel from the refinery, shortages could be significantly reduced, allowing fuel to be available to Nigerians without reliance on imported supply.
I think Dangote is just flexing his muscle here. Lets see if his refinery can really meet the demand!
I dont trust Dangotes monopoly on fuel supply. It could lead to price manipulation and hurt consumers.
I think Dangote should focus on reducing gas prices instead of calling for import halts. Lets see some real change!
I dont get why everyone is praising Dangote for this. What about the environmental impact of his refinery? #NotImpressed
Environmental impact is a valid concern, but Dangotes contributions to the economy should not be overlooked.
I dont get the hype around Dangotes refinery. Why should NNPC and fuel importers halt imports just because of one company?
I dont see the big deal with Aliko Dangotes refinery. Why should we rely on one person for fuel supply?
Why not celebrate local success? Diversification is key, but lets acknowledge achievements too.
I dont buy it, Dangote just wants to monopolize the market. Lets not fall for his tactics! #FuelControversy
I think Dangote should focus on giving back to the community instead of dictating fuel imports. What do you guys think?
I dont buy it! Dangote asking NNPC to stop imports? Sounds like a power move, but is it really about supply? 🤔
I dont get why everyone is praising Dangote. Hes just protecting his business interests, not looking out for the people.
Dangotes success benefits many, not just himself. Business can drive positive change.
I think Dangote should focus on more pressing issues instead of dictating NNPCs operations. Let them do their job!
I dont buy it! Dangotes monopoly on fuel supply seems fishy to me. Whats really going on behind the scenes?
I dont understand why everyone is praising Dangote for this. Is he really doing it for the people or just for his own gain?
I think Dangotes request is reasonable. Lets support local industries and reduce dependency on imports. Time for change!
I think Dangote should focus on improving local communities instead of just profits. What do you all think?
I dont buy it! Dangote asking NNPC to halt fuel imports? Sounds like a power move, not a genuine concern.
I dont buy it! Who does Dangote think he is, telling NNPC what to do? Let the market decide!
Dangote is a successful businessman with a stake in the industry. His input is valid.