The Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) has strongly objected to Dangote Refinery’s decision to start selling fuel directly to major companies, warning that the move could wipe out jobs and cripple businesses in the supply chain.

According to NOGASA President Benneth Korie, the new plan—set to take effect on August 15—will allow Dangote to supply petrol and diesel straight to large customers such as telecom firms, hotels, manufacturers, and airlines using 4,000 newly acquired CNG-powered tankers.

Korie said this bypasses fuel suppliers who have traditionally played a key role in distributing petroleum products across the country. “Our members are the ones who move products from depots to businesses. If Dangote begins supplying these companies directly, our role becomes useless. Many jobs will be lost,” he said.

He warned that truck drivers, logistics workers, and marketers could be forced out of work if the new model is allowed to go ahead, adding that it could have serious effects on the Nigerian economy.

In response, NOGASA has scheduled a general meeting in Abuja on July 31 to decide on its next steps. The association is considering halting operations and reaching out to Dangote for talks.

“Our position is simple,” Korie said. “Let Dangote sell to us, and we will continue supplying the businesses. That way, the distribution chain is preserved, and thousands of jobs are protected.”

NOGASA acts as a link between refineries and companies that need petroleum products. The association says removing them from the supply process could cause long-term damage to the structure of the industry.