The $20 billion Dangote refinery was meant to transform Nigeria’s fuel industry and end decades of dependence on imported fuel.
But now, Aliko Dangote says powerful oil cabals are working behind the scenes to destroy his dream. Despite growing threats, he’s not giving up.
Instead, he’s doubling down on his mission to make Nigeria self-sufficient in fuel production.
Oil Cabals Are Fighting Back
In a recent investor meeting in Lagos, Aliko Dangote opened up about the intense pressure and sabotage targeting the Dangote refinery.
He accused certain entrenched interests mostly those who profited from Nigeria’s corrupt oil subsidy system of trying to stop the refinery from succeeding.
These oil cabals are desperate to maintain control over Nigeria’s fuel market, even if it means sabotaging progress.
According to Dangote, the fight isn’t just economic it’s personal.
“They don’t want this refinery to work because they benefited from the old system,” he said.
Crude Oil Denial and Deliberate Sabotage
One of the most shocking revelations from Dangote is that international oil companies (IOCs) have refused to sell crude oil to the Dangote refinery at market prices.
Instead, they’re demanding higher-than-normal rates or forcing the refinery to look abroad even as far as the United States for crude supply.
This not only increases costs but also weakens the refinery’s impact on Nigeria’s economy.
Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries, described the situation as a “deliberate attempt to frustrate local refining.”
He explained how some agencies, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), are granting licenses for importing dirty, low-quality fuel while ignoring the cleaner products from the Dangote refinery.Dangote refinery.
Dangote Refinery Threatens Fuel Import Profits
The Dangote refinery officially began fuel production in September 2024, and since then, it has been a game-changer.
The refinery slashed the pump price of petrol from over ₦1,100 per litre to about ₦860.
Naturally, this didn’t sit well with fuel importers, many of whom were forced to reduce their own prices or risk losing customers.
These same fuel marketers many aligned with the oil cabals now complain that the refinery is creating unfair competition.
But for ordinary Nigerians, the Dangote refinery is a blessing.
Support from Marketers and Industry Groups
Despite the pushback, Dangote isn’t alone. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has pledged full support for the Dangote refinery.
Chinedu Ukadike, IPMAN’s spokesperson, praised Dangote’s commitment to reducing fuel prices and shaking up the market.
“Healthy competition is what we need,” he said. “What Dangote is doing is good for Nigeria and the economy. We support his refinery 100%.”
On the other hand, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) called for unity and fair play in the industry.
Its president, Billy Gillis-Harry, emphasized the importance of giving all refineries including Dangote’s a fair opportunity to access crude oil at market rates.
Government Policies Could Help or Hurt
Earlier, the federal government introduced a “naira-for-crude” policy that allowed the Dangote refinery to purchase crude oil using the Nigerian naira instead of U.S. dollars.
This helped lower the cost of fuel production and improved access to cheaper petrol for Nigerians.
However, the government has since paused the initiative, raising concerns that it might cave under pressure from oil cabals.
Dangote warned that if Nigeria doesn’t support local refining now, it will remain trapped in a cycle of dependency and economic sabotage.
A Personal Mission for Dangote
This fight isn’t just business for Aliko Dangote it’s personal.
He revealed that even a former Saudi oil minister once told him not to build a refinery, calling the oil industry “worse than drug cartels.”
But Dangote ignored the advice and went ahead with his dream.
“I’ve been fighting my whole life. This is no different,” he said. “We will survive. We will succeed.”
Why the Dangote Refinery Matters
The Dangote refinery isn’t just another business venture it’s a symbol of hope for millions of Nigerians.
If successful, it could save Nigeria billions of dollars in fuel imports, create thousands of jobs, and stabilize fuel prices permanently.
By producing petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel locally, the refinery can drastically reduce Nigeria’s foreign exchange pressure and protect consumers from global oil price shocks.
The Battle Isn’t Over Yet
The road ahead won’t be easy. Oil cabals will keep fighting to protect their profits. International oil companies may continue blocking crude supply.
But with the right support from the government, marketers, and the Nigerian people, the Dangote refinery can still win.
Aliko Dangote is standing firm and he’s calling on all Nigerians to stand with him.
Do you believe the Dangote refinery can finally break Nigeria free from fuel importation?
What do you think about Dangote’s battle with oil cabals?
Join the conversation in the comments below and follow NIGPOST for more exclusive stories that matter to Nigerians.
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