The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has given Dangote Petroleum Refinery a seven-day ultimatum to either provide evidence for its fuel smuggling allegations or withdraw the claims.
In a statement released on September 15, DAPPMAN described the refinery’s accusations as “misleading, factually incorrect, and harmful” to Nigeria’s downstream sector. The association said such claims distort market realities, undermine regulatory authorities, and risk fostering monopolistic practices.
Dangote had previously alleged that some marketers were diverting petroleum products to neighboring countries. DAPPMAN dismissed the claim, stressing that only Customs and security agencies have the legal mandate to investigate such matters.
The marketers also rejected Dangote’s suggestion that they were behind a planned strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (NUPENG). According to DAPPMAN, unions—including NUPENG, NARTO, MEMAN, and IPMAN—operate independently and are not influenced by marketers.
Addressing recent petrol price reductions, DAPPMAN argued that the cuts were due to broader economic factors, such as a stronger naira, falling crude oil prices, and improved foreign exchange liquidity under the Central Bank of Nigeria, rather than actions by Dangote’s refinery.
DAPPMAN defended Nigeria’s refined fuel exports to West Africa, explaining that such trade reflects an open market. The group also dismissed Dangote’s claim of “round-tripping” through Togo, clarifying that Offshore Lome is a trading hub, not a blending site.
Accusing the refinery of double standards, DAPPMAN claimed Dangote offers discounts of over $40 per metric ton to foreign buyers while restricting Nigerian marketers. On fuel quality, the association noted that Dangote sought approval from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to sell petrol with sulphur levels above legal limits, emphasizing that only NMDPRA can track supply volumes.
The group also raised safety concerns about Dangote’s plan to deploy 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks, citing past accidents and potential traffic congestion on the Lekki–Epe Expressway.
DAPPMAN concluded by stating that it supports fair competition but called for a level playing field. The association warned that rhetoric undermining regulators could derail President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing deregulation reforms.
