Aliko Dangote has raised concerns over inflated fuel consumption numbers in Nigeria, blaming widespread corruption in the petroleum sector for the discrepancy.
During a visit by members of Global CEO Africa to his refinery, the Dangote Group boss stated that Nigeria’s actual daily petrol usage is closer to 33 million litres, not the 45–50 million litres often quoted by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). He alleged that during the fuel subsidy era, some individuals deliberately overstated the figures for personal profit.
“At some point, they even claimed we used 90 million litres per day. That’s not possible with the number of vehicles we have in the country,” he said.
In contrast, NMDPRA insists that daily consumption fluctuates between 45 and 50 million litres, with past figures reaching 66 million litres before subsidy removal. They attribute changes to seasonal demand and national holidays.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) also confirmed a drop in fuel demand since subsidies ended and the federal government introduced Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). They estimate actual use at around 35 to 40 million litres daily, while also admitting there are still shady dealings in the sector.
Dangote, who once avoided the oil industry due to its deeply rooted corruption, described the petroleum business as controlled by a “mafia,” even tougher than the drug trade. However, his group eventually went ahead with its $20 billion refinery project, which he said was necessary to stop Africa’s heavy reliance on imported fuel.
The Dangote Refinery now produces 104 million litres of fuel daily—more than double what Nigeria needs. According to him, only about 46 million litres (petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel) will be used locally, while the rest will be exported.
Meanwhile, the Crude Oil Refineries Association of Nigeria (CORAN) called for an independent study to determine Nigeria’s real fuel usage, saying existing figures are unreliable due to factors like fuel smuggling and weak border control.
This disagreement adds to earlier disputes between Dangote and the NMDPRA. In the past, they’ve clashed over product quality and licensing, with Dangote accusing the agency of allowing low-quality fuel imports. He maintains that products from his refinery are of superior quality and has urged the agency to conduct open, independent testing to settle the matter.
Despite regulatory pushback, Dangote insists his refinery can fully supply Nigeria’s fuel demand and eliminate the need for imports. He warned that continuing to bring in foreign fuel only encourages corruption and undermines local production.
