The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed as false and misleading recent media reports claiming that it imported high-sulphur petrol into Nigeria. The refinery described the allegation as a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and undermine the integrity of its operations.
In a statement released on Friday, the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery clarified that the reported shipment was not finished petrol (Premium Motor Spirit) but rather an intermediate feedstock a raw material used by refineries worldwide to produce high-quality fuels.
The company explained that sourcing different grades of crude oil and intermediate feedstocks is a globally accepted refinery practice that allows operators to optimise efficiency and ensure adherence to stringent quality standards.
“The cargo in question is an intermediate feedstock, not finished petrol, and will be refined in our facilities to meet both Nigerian and international standards,” the company said in the statement.
According to the management, the Dangote Refinery operates strictly within the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) under the supervision of relevant regulatory agencies, maintaining full compliance with national and international environmental and quality guidelines.
The company further noted that its export operations to the United States and Europe, where fuel standards are among the most stringent globally, underscore its commitment to quality and environmental responsibility.
“All our imports and exports are accompanied by quality certificates shared transparently with regulators,” the company stated. “We are willing to make these documents available to the public to demonstrate our commitment to transparency and accountability.”
The refinery also reaffirmed that its focus remains on transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape by ensuring that the country achieves self-sufficiency in petroleum product refining, thereby ending decades of reliance on imported fuel.
“Our mission is clear to make Nigeria a net exporter of refined petroleum products and deliver cleaner, high-quality fuels that meet international benchmarks,” the management added.
Industry analysts have noted that large, integrated refineries such as Dangote’s routinely import intermediate feedstocks for blending and refining, especially when ramping up production or balancing crude mix requirements. Such feedstocks undergo additional processing to achieve the precise chemical specifications required for various fuel products.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, located in Lagos, Nigeria, is the largest single-train refinery in Africa and one of the most advanced globally. With a refining capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the facility is designed to meet both local and international fuel demands while significantly reducing Nigeria’s import bill.
Since commencing operations, the refinery has continued to assure Nigerians that it produces only clean, high-quality fuels that conform to all Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) requirements.
The company’s statement also emphasised that it remains committed to environmental sustainability, utilising state-of-the-art technology to minimise emissions and promote responsible waste management throughout its refining process.
“We remain dedicated to transparency, quality assurance, and sustainability in every aspect of our operation,” the statement concluded. “Our goal is not only to meet Nigeria’s energy needs but to exceed global expectations in refining excellence.”
With the Dangote Refinery now positioned as a major player in Africa’s oil and gas industry, its assurance comes as a strong response to misinformation and reinforces public confidence in Nigeria’s journey toward energy independence.
