Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, has sounded the alarm over potential global oil shocks that could exacerbate economic hardship across Africa, while praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for unlocking critical investment opportunities during his recent state visit to the United Kingdom.

Dangote made the comments following a courtesy visit to President Tinubu at his Lagos residence, explaining that the meeting was primarily to exchange Eid greetings, check on the President’s health, and pay respects.

“I just came to see His Excellency, Mr President, wish him Eid Mubarak, and also ask after his health. I haven’t seen him for a while, and wish him all the very best,” Dangote said.

He described Tinubu’s UK visit as a major diplomatic and investment breakthrough, stressing that modern diplomacy must focus on economic outcomes.

“I think it has opened ways. Today, diplomacy without the economic part of it is not complete. I believe his visit will open quite a lot of doors,” he said.

Dangote highlighted the £746 million UK-backed agreement targeting Nigeria’s infrastructure, especially the ports sector, as a strong signal of international confidence in the country.

“You can see the agreement signed for improving our infrastructure, especially in the ports and other areas, which is almost £746 million. It’s not easy dealing with the British and securing this kind of funding. But it shows confidence in Nigeria,” he stated, adding that the deal is likely to attract further foreign investment from countries such as Germany and others.

He encouraged Nigerian investors to leverage this momentum, particularly by tapping international credit facilities that have remained largely underutilized.

“For Nigerian investors, this shows we can also access these agencies for support. The agency is now open for business for Nigerians, and we should look to tap into it,” he said.

On the global energy outlook, Dangote warned that escalating tensions in the Middle East could drive oil prices higher, intensifying economic pressure, especially in Africa.

“If this crisis doesn’t de-escalate, we’ll end up paying big prices. Africa is already paying debts, and adding more shocks will increase hardship for governments and people alike,” he said.

He also highlighted the cascading effects of rising energy costs on daily life, particularly for small businesses and households that rely on fuel-powered generators.

“People like barbers, bread makers, and small industries who rely on generators will feel the heat if energy prices keep rising,” Dangote warned.

He pointed to global responses to energy pressures, such as reduced work schedules in some countries, drawing parallels to measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Some countries are asking people to work from home or reduce workdays to cope. We did something similar during COVID-19,” he explained.

Despite the looming risks, Dangote expressed hope that the Middle East tensions would ease, urging collective prayers and international cooperation to prevent further escalation.

“We need to pray that this situation de-escalates. In Africa, many people depend on daily earnings, and if they don’t work, they won’t eat. All hands must be on deck to bring this to an end,” he concluded.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a fresh increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), raising it from ₦1,175 to ₦1,245 per litre, amid rising crude oil prices caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict.

In a notice to marketers on Friday, the Refinery also adjusted its coastal price from ₦1,512,648 to ₦1,606,518 per metric tonne, citing global market realities such as fluctuations in crude prices and higher shipping costs beyond its control. The new pricing takes effect from midnight on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

Marketers with existing supply arrangements supported by valid bank guarantees may still lift products at previous rates, provided their guarantees cover the price difference. The corresponding cost differential is to be debited to marketers’ trading accounts, with proof of payment required by March 23.

In a statement to newsmen, the Refinery highlighted that despite the increase, Nigeria continues to maintain one of the lowest petrol prices globally. According to GlobalPetrolPrices.com, petrol in Nigeria averages $0.88 (₦1,191.39) per litre, well below the global average of $1.32 (₦1,787.08), based on an exchange rate of ₦1,353.85 to the dollar.

For comparison, petrol prices in key markets are higher: the United States at $1.075 (₦1,455.39), India at $1.095 (₦1,482.47), South Africa at $1.189 (₦1,609.73), the United Kingdom at $1.874 (₦2,537.11), France at $2.152 (₦2,913.49), Germany at $2.343 (₦3,172.07), and Hong Kong at $3.967 (₦5,370.72) per litre.

Within West Africa, petrol remains cheaper in Nigeria compared to Togo ($1.192 / ₦1,613.79), Benin ($1.218 / ₦1,648.99), Ghana ($1.240 / ₦1,678.77), and Cameroon ($1.478 / ₦2,000.99) per litre. Analysts attribute Nigeria’s relative stability to Dangote Refinery’s growing capacity, which has absorbed much of the global cost pressures while ensuring consistent fuel availability.

The Refinery also emphasized that very few countries globally sell petrol below $1 (₦1,353.85) per litre without government intervention, highlighting the strategic role of Dangote Refinery in moderating domestic price volatility, even after Nigeria transitioned to a deregulated market post-subsidy removal in 2023.

Despite domestic petrol prices rising 35 to 40 percent since the start of the Middle East crisis, these increases remain below those seen in other countries, including Cambodia (67%) and Vietnam (49%).

This marks the fourth fuel price hike by Dangote Refinery in March 2026. Earlier adjustments in the month increased PMS prices from around ₦774 to ₦875, then ₦995, followed by ₦1,175, and now ₦1,245 per litre.

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated sharply as Saudi Arabia signalled it could take military action against Iran, while global oil prices surged amid fears of a prolonged supply disruption.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister recently warned that the kingdom “reserves the right” to respond militarily following missile and drone attacks allegedly linked to Iran targeting its territory and energy infrastructure.

The growing standoff comes as the United States, under former President Donald Trump, weighs further action against Iran’s strategic assets, including the possibility of targeting or seizing Kharg Island; Tehran’s most critical oil export hub. The island handles a significant portion of Iran’s crude exports and has already been the site of recent U.S. airstrikes on military facilities.

The crisis has been compounded by Iran’s moves to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route responsible for nearly a fifth of the world’s oil supply. Analysts warn that any prolonged blockade could severely impact global markets and trigger wider economic consequences.

Recent attacks on oil and gas facilities across the Gulf; including in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, have further heightened instability, with several production sites damaged or forced to halt operations.

As a result, global oil prices have surged past the $100 mark, with some reports indicating prices approaching or exceeding $109 per barrel amid supply fears. Experts caution that prices could climb even higher if the conflict intensifies or the Hormuz route remains restricted.

The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts ongoing, but the combination of military threats, disrupted energy infrastructure, and strategic checkpoints has raised concerns about a broader regional conflict and its impact on the global economy.