Dangote Refinery Dismisses Togo Fuel Re-Importation Claims, Calls Allegation Economically Illogical

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has refuted claims that petroleum products refined at its facility are exported to Lomé, Togo, and subsequently re-imported into Nigeria, describing the allegation as unfounded and economically unrealistic.

The refinery’s management said the claims misrepresent the operational realities of the petroleum market and fail to account for the commercial logic guiding fuel distribution and pricing across the region.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the company maintained that there is no economic incentive for refined petroleum products to be shipped from Nigeria to neighbouring Togo only to be brought back into the country for sale.

According to the refinery, such a process would attract additional transportation, storage, insurance and handling costs, making the products more expensive and commercially unviable.

The company stressed that its operations are designed to supply the Nigerian market efficiently while also meeting export obligations to regional and international customers where necessary.

Dangote Refinery noted that petroleum products exported to foreign markets are sold through established commercial arrangements and are not intended for re-importation into Nigeria.

The company described suggestions that fuel refined locally is being routed through Togo before returning to Nigeria as lacking factual basis and inconsistent with market realities.

Industry observers have argued that re-importing fuel after export would significantly increase logistics costs and undermine the competitive advantage associated with local refining.

The refinery reiterated its commitment to enhancing domestic fuel availability, reducing dependence on imported petroleum products and supporting Nigeria’s drive toward energy security.

Since commencing operations, the facility has been positioned as a strategic asset expected to transform Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector by boosting local refining capacity and reducing pressure on foreign exchange used for fuel imports.

The company urged stakeholders and members of the public to rely on verified information regarding its operations and cautioned against the spread of misleading narratives capable of creating confusion within the energy sector.

Dangote Refinery remains one of Africa’s largest single-train refining facilities and is expected to play a central role in meeting Nigeria’s fuel demand while supplying petroleum products to other African markets.