The company says claims that its products are shipped to Togo and brought back into Nigeria lack commercial logic and contradict its business objectives.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has debunked allegations that its refined petroleum products are exported to Lomé, Togo, and subsequently re-imported into Nigeria, dismissing the claims as unsubstantiated and commercially illogical.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 23, the Dangote Group described the allegations as an “ill-motivated web of falsehoods.”
While pointing out that there is no commercial incentive in engaging in such a business, the company said that as a key objective of the refinery is to strengthen its position as a leading supplier to the Nigerian market, facilitating imports that compete directly with its own production would be inconsistent with that goal.
The company also pointed to the economics of the alleged trade route, estimating that transporting products from the refinery to Lomé and back to Nigeria would cost between $82 and $90 per metric ton.
“These additional costs would significantly erode margins and make such transactions commercially unattractive,” the statement said.
While highlighting its contractual controls and product traceability systems, the refinery said sales contracts and tender terms expressly prohibit the resale or re-importation of products into Nigeria, and the company maintains records of all product sales, including lifting locations and destination declarations.
“Any suggestion that the refinery is knowingly facilitating re-importation is inconsistent with contractual restrictions imposed on buyers,” it stated.
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The company noted that the allegations contradict its longstanding advocacy for eliminating Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products, which it says undermines local refining and places pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
“There is neither a strategic rationale nor a commercial incentive for Dangote Refinery to facilitate exports to neighbouring markets for subsequent re-importation into Nigeria,” the statement concluded .
The development comes as Africa’s largest refinery, with a capacity of 700,000 barrels per day, continues to expand its operations and supply both domestic and international markets.
Victor Ezeja is a Nigerian journalist skilled in producing insightful news analyses, feature stories, and interviews that simplify complex issues and drive informed public discourse. His work combines rigorous research, balanced reporting, and compelling storytelling to highlight developments shaping industries and society. Victor, who holds a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializes in energy, aviation, business, and economic reporting. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X