Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Group, criticized the persistent shortages and long queues at filling stations across Nigeria for the failure of marketers to lift the products from his refinery.
Dangote attributed the issue to the marketers’ inefficiencies and lack of effective distribution. He said, “The current fuel shortage is unacceptable and reflects poorly on our nation. As stakeholders, we must address this critical issue to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.”
During an interview at the presidential villa in Abuja on Tuesday, Dangote was asked why the queues persist despite his refinery in production, and he replied, “With enough supply of crude oil, we can produce much more than 30 million liters every day. At full capacity, we can supply whatever is being consumed.”
Dangote noted that the refinery currently holds a substantial reserve of 500 million liters.
“This amount can sustain the country for over 12 days, even if there are no imports or additional production,” he explained. “So we are very ready. We are more than ready.”
“You must understand that we are producers; I’m not in the business of retail,” he clarified.
“If I were in retail, then you could hold me responsible for the queues. What I’m saying is that the retailers need to come forward and pick up the fuel.”
Dangote emphasized that the responsibility lies with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and fuel marketers to engage with the refinery.
Dangote stated that if the retailers have been importing fuel successfully, there’s no reason why they can’t come and collect from them. “We have what it takes for them to distribute effectively,” Dangote stated.
He also pointed out that the refinery has the infrastructure for loading but lacks the logistics to transport the fuel directly to retailers.
“If retailers come to us, we can ensure that there are no more queues at the filling stations,” he asserted, reinforcing the urgency for action in a sector facing significant challenges.
As Nigeria struggles to overcome its economic challenges, voices like Dangote’s emphasize the importance of collective action and accountability.
