The Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Plant, a $20 billion facility located in Lekki, Lagos, is set to start exporting fuel to South Africa, Angola, and Namibia, according to information obtained by The PUNCH.
The refinery, which boasts a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is reportedly in advanced discussions with these countries for fuel supply agreements.
In addition to these three countries, talks are also underway with four other African nations—Niger Republic, Chad, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic—regarding potential fuel imports from the refinery. Sources suggest that even more countries may soon express interest in procuring fuel from the facility.
Ghana has already shown intent to purchase petroleum products from the Dangote Refinery. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, Chairman of Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority, highlighted that importing fuel from Dangote could help reduce the country’s reliance on European imports, which cost approximately $400 million per month.
“Negotiations are actively ongoing with Ghana, Angola, Namibia, and South Africa, while preliminary talks have also begun with Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic,” an industry insider confirmed.
Despite the growing interest from African countries, the Dangote Refinery has faced resistance within Nigeria. Several local fuel marketers are reportedly opting for imported fuel over purchasing from Dangote, citing high prices as a major concern. Both the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) have argued for continued imports, believing it offers a more affordable alternative for the domestic market.
These associations are currently seeking foreign exchange approvals from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and permits from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to facilitate their import plans. Marketers have argued that sourcing cheaper petrol from international suppliers could help cushion the impact of recent price hikes following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
However, the NMDPRA clarified that it does not grant import licenses to associations collectively. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “Each marketer must apply individually for a petrol import license. We do not issue permits to collective bodies.”
Dr. Joseph Obele, National Public Relations Officer of PETROAN, disclosed that the association had already submitted applications for import licenses through its newly formed trading arm about a month ago.
He accused Dangote of attempting to monopolize the market, asserting that the refinery’s dominance threatens fair competition.
“Dangote is aggressively positioning himself to control the market, leaving no room for other players,” Obele said. “Once we receive the necessary approvals, we plan to import higher-quality fuel that will drive down prices, easing the burden on Nigerians. We urge the public to support us in opposing this monopoly to ensure a free and competitive market.”
Obele called for broader market liberalization, warning that without dismantling monopolistic practices, consumers would continue to face exploitation. He urged Nigerians to back efforts to break the refinery’s market hold and promote healthy competition.