The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery has strongly refuted claims circulating in the media that it is importing dirty or high-sulfur petrol (PMS) into Nigeria. The refinery described the reports as “false, malicious, and misleading,” emphasizing its commitment to global quality standards and regulatory compliance.
Refinery says claims are based on misinformation
In an official statement released on Friday, the company clarified that the cargo being referenced in the reports is not finished petrol, but rather an intermediate feedstock. According to the management, this material is part of the normal refining process and will be fully refined within the company’s state-of-the-art units to produce fuels that meet both Nigerian and international quality standards.
“The cargo in question is an intermediate feedstock, not finished petrol, and will be fully refined in our units to meet Nigerian and international quality standards,” the statement read.
It is a standard global refining practice to import and process a range of crude oils and intermediate materials in order to optimize both production efficiency and product quality, the company added.
Dangote Refinery operates under Free Trade Zone regulations
The Dangote Refinery, which operates as part of a Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in Nigeria, is designed as a world-scale industrial complex. The company noted that its fuels meet or exceed all required specifications, both locally and internationally.
“As a world-scale refinery complex operating within a Free Trade Zone, we refine and sell only high-quality fuels that comply with all regulatory specifications,” the company said.
To support its claims, the refinery pointed to its exports to highly regulated international markets such as the United States and Europe — regions known for their stringent environmental and product quality standards.
“Our exports of petroleum products to the United States and Europe, among the world’s most regulated markets, underscore our adherence to global benchmarks,” the statement emphasized.
Quality certification and transparency
Addressing public concern, the refinery also revealed that all imports into the facility are accompanied by independent quality certificates. These documents are shared with Nigerian regulatory authorities and can be made available to the public to demonstrate full transparency.
“Dangote Petroleum Refinery is also willing to make these documents available to the public in the interest of full transparency and accountability,” the company stated.
This move is seen as part of the company’s broader efforts to maintain public trust and affirm its dedication to industry best practices.
Commitment to Nigeria’s energy goals
The management used the opportunity to reiterate its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy independence and reducing the country’s reliance on imported fuel. The refinery, which began operations in 2024, has been viewed as a potential game-changer in the nation’s downstream petroleum sector.
“We are fully committed to advancing Nigeria’s energy independence, upholding the highest standards of quality and transparency, and delivering cleaner fuels for Nigeria and beyond,” the company affirmed.
Conclusion
While misinformation can spread quickly, especially in sectors as vital as energy, the Dangote Refinery is taking clear steps to defend its reputation and maintain transparency. By emphasizing compliance with both domestic and international standards, and offering to publicly share quality documentation, the refinery hopes to reassure Nigerians and international partners of its commitment to producing safe, high-quality fuel.
As Nigeria continues to work toward strengthening its local refining capacity, public trust in institutions like the Dangote Refinery will remain critical. The company’s response signals its awareness of this responsibility.
