The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed a trending video that claimed it had partnered with a private firm to supply petrol to motorists using motorcycle dispatch riders. The company told our correspondent on Sunday that it has no link whatsoever to the video and does not recognise the individuals or organisation behind it.
The video, which circulated widely across social media platforms, showed a man trying to bypass long fuel queues by placing a petrol order through a WhatsApp chat. Shortly after, a dispatch rider arrived carrying a small pump-like dispenser mounted on the back of his motorcycle and proceeded to fill the man’s fuel tank. The footage was presented as an advertisement for a supposed service called “FuelUp,” which the creators falsely promoted as being powered by “Dangote Petroleum.” Some online users suggested the video may have been generated or altered using artificial intelligence.
As reactions grew on Sunday, many Nigerians praised the concept as an innovative solution to ease fuel stress, while others expressed concern about the safety risks associated with transporting and dispensing petrol via motorcycles in open environments.
When contacted for clarification, Dangote officials strongly rejected the claims. The Group Chief Communication Officer, Anthony Chiejina, labelled the clip “fake,” insisting the refinery had nothing to do with the purported fuel delivery operation. “Fake! We are not in any way associated with this,” Chiejina said in response to inquiries.
Another official from the refinery reiterated that Dangote only supplies fuel to authorised bulk purchasers and does not operate or endorse any retail distribution scheme involving bikes. He emphasised that no agreement has been signed with any company for such a service.
The incident comes weeks after the refinery began deploying its fleet of newly imported Compressed Natural Gas-powered trucks for direct fuel distribution across the country an initiative launched in September as part of efforts to improve Nigeria’s fuel supply chain. The refinery, situated in the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos State, is regarded as one of the most advanced integrated refining complexes in the world.
In recent months, Dangote Industries has channelled significant investments into upgrading technology, automating refinery operations, and strengthening logistics systems to ensure efficient and environmentally responsible production. These upgrades are intended to boost capacity, minimise downtime, and enhance the safety and reliability of product delivery.
Meanwhile, the company recently announced plans to expand its refining output from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day. This expansion is designed to double production capacity and meet Nigeria’s rapidly growing fuel consumption needs. The increased capacity is also expected to improve domestic supply, reduce reliance on imported petroleum products, and position Nigeria as a major refining hub in Africa.
The planned scale-up underscores Dangote’s broader vision of promoting industrial expansion, improving regional energy integration, and contributing to long-term stability in the nation’s petroleum sector. By distancing itself from the viral video, the company reinforced its insistence on regulated, safe, and compliant fuel distribution processes while pursuing large-scale refinery growth.
