Dangote was reacting to NMDPRA’s claim that local refineries met only 50 per cent of Nigeria’s petrol requirements in February
By Kehinde Okeowo
The President and Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has asserted that contrary to recent reports, his refinery can meet Nigeria’s petroleum production requirements.
He made this known when Zambia Minister for Energy, Makozo Chikote toured his 650,000 barrels per day Lekki-based refinery at the weekend.
Dangote’s comment came amid claims by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) that local refineries, including Dangote Refinery, met only 50 per cent of Nigeria’s petrol requirements in February 2025.
The statement led to speculations that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has continued to import fuel despite claims by the President Tinubu-led government that it has fully deregulated the petroleum sector.
Reacting to the development, Dangote insisted his refinery produces enough petroleum products for local consumption and export.
He said, “We have more than enough. The refinery is producing enough refined products, like gasoline, diesel, and kerosene, to meet 100 percent of Nigeria’s requirements.”
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Prior to this, the Africa’s richest man had said his $20bn facility has over N600 billion worth of petrol in its stores.
Meanwhile, NNPCL has denied reports that it imported fuel in 2025.
Speaking last week through a rejoinder, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye said, “The report alleging that NNPC Limited imported over 200 million litres of PMS in February 2025 is a completely false, baseless, and reckless misrepresentation of facts. It is either the result of lazy and unprofessional journalism or a deliberate, sponsored attempt by economic saboteurs to mislead the public.
“Setting the record straight: NNPC Limited has not imported a single litre of PMS in 2025.”
