Dangote denies claims marketers re-import fuel via Togo

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has strongly refuted allegations that Nigerian marketers are re-importing fuels exported to the Lomé trading hub in Togo. The company described the claims, reportedly made by S&P Global, as "unfounded and misleading," asserting they lack support from verifiable trade data, commercial logic, or the refinery's operational realities.

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Management states unequivocally that the allegation is not supported by verifiable trade data, commercial logic, or the operational realities of the Dangote refinery.

In a statement, the management unequivocally stated that a core mandate of the refinery is to bolster domestic supply within Nigeria. Any practice enabling imports to compete directly with its own production would fundamentally contradict this objective. Furthermore, all sales contracts and tender agreements explicitly prohibit the resale or re-importation of Dangote refinery products back into Nigeria.

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Any practice that enables imports to compete directly with its own production clearly contradicts this objective.

The company highlighted the significant economic barriers to such a trade route. It estimated that logistics costs for transporting products from the refinery to Lomé and then back into Nigeria would range between $82–90 per metric tonne. These additional expenses, Dangote argued, would substantially erode profit margins, rendering the transaction commercially unviable. The refinery does not offer export discounts sufficient to offset these costs or create arbitrage opportunities between export and domestic markets.

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Estimated logistics costs for transporting products from the refinery to Lomé and back into Nigeria range between US$82–90 per metric tonne. Such additional costs would significantly erode margins and render the transaction commercially unviable.

Dangote also pointed to its stringent product traceability protocols, which include detailed records of lifting points, nominated vessels, counterparties, and declared destinations. These measures ensure full visibility and accountability throughout the supply chain, making any suggestion of facilitating re-importation inconsistent with its contractual safeguards and compliance standards. The company reiterated its commitment to reducing Nigeria's dependence on imported petroleum products, stating that enabling re-importation would undermine local refining efforts and national industrial growth.

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Management reiterates that there is no strategic, economic, or operational basis for the claim that Dangote refinery exports products for re-importation into Nigeria. The allegation is entirely unfounded and does not withstand scrutiny when measured against market logic, contractual frameworks, and industry practices.