Dangote Refinery Defends Free Fuel Plan, Calls for Forensic Audit of Petroleum Certification
Story written by Okafor Joseph September 16,2025
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has alleged that the certification system for imported petroleum products in Nigeria is plagued by irregularities and called for a forensic audit to expose the discrepancies.
According to the company, so-called certificates of quality would fail to meet global industry standards if independently verified, undermining the pricing templates used for fuel imports.
On fuel pricing, Dangote dismissed claims that petrol is cheaper in neighbouring Togo, pointing out that the average pump price in Lomé stands at 680 CFA francs per litre (₦1,826)—well above Nigerian rates.
The refinery stressed that it is positioning Nigeria as a major supplier of affordable petrol feedstock to the West African market, even though it still imports over 60 percent of its crude oil.
Dangote also accused the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and its affiliates of clinging to fuel importation rather than embracing reforms. It described union agitation over alleged anti-labour practices as a diversionary tactic.
Although NUPENG suspended a planned strike on September 9, it revived threats of industrial action two days later. Despite the backlash, Dangote reaffirmed that there will be “no going back” on its free petrol distribution plan, framing the initiative as a bold step to transform Nigeria’s energy sector.
