Kehinde Fajobi
The Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical complex is preparing to export fuel to South Africa, Angola, and Namibia, with advanced talks underway for fuel distribution.
A reliable source disclosed the plan exclusively to Saturday PUNCH on Friday, confirming that these exports will soon commence from the 650,000-barrel-per-day facility.
This development comes as Dangote aims to broaden its fuel reach beyond Nigeria’s borders, with additional discussions reportedly progressing with Niger Republic, Chad, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic.
According to the source, “Talks are at an advanced stage with Ghana, Angola, Namibia, and South Africa, while discussions are beginning with Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic.”
Several other African countries are also expected to seek fuel supplies from the $20 billion Lekki-based refinery.
Notably, Ghana recently expressed interest in importing from Dangote to reduce its dependency on monthly European fuel imports, which cost around $400 million.
Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, the Chairman of Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority, described the prospective arrangement with Dangote as a strategic move to bolster Ghana’s energy security and reduce import costs.
Despite Dangote’s capacity to meet Nigeria’s fuel needs, domestic marketers have raised concerns over the refinery’s pricing.
Both the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) recently announced their intention to import fuel independently, citing high prices from Dangote.
They are awaiting approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for foreign exchange access and from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
An official from NMDPRA, speaking on condition of anonymity, clarified that import licences could not be issued to groups or associations, as IPMAN and PETROAN had requested, but only to individual marketers, as stipulated by law.
“They must apply individually for their licences,” the official explained. “We are unable to issue a collective licence to an association.”
PETROAN’s National Public Relations Officer, Dr Joseph Obele, described Dangote as an “aggressive competitor” and accused him of attempting to monopolise the market.
He argued, “Dangote is determined to close all entry points for competitors, limiting market access.”
Obele further claimed that allowing PETROAN to import fuel would drive down prices, easing the strain on consumers.
“We are bringing in one of the best products available, even better than what is currently on offer,” he said.
“The support of Nigerians in dismantling monopolistic practices will ensure a fair and open market.”
Obele went on to emphasise the association’s commitment to reducing prices, stating that the current high price of petrol would “crash to the barest minimum” once regulatory approvals are secured.
“We are trapped with exploitation,” he said, “and the only way out of this is to dismantle monopolies.”
With multiple African nations expected to buy from Dangote in the coming months, the refinery could soon establish itself as a significant player in regional fuel supply, aligning with the ambitions of both local and international partners seeking reliable fuel sources.