Dangote Refinery: ‘We Refine High-Quality Fuel Locally, No Finished Imports’
By Patience Ikpeme
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has come out to clear the air following rumors that it is importing finished petrol and diesel from abroad. The refinery described these reports as a big misunderstanding of how modern oil business works, insisting that every drop of fuel it sells is refined right here in Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists during a visit to the refinery in Lekki, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, David Bird, explained that what the refinery sometimes brings in are “intermediate feedstocks.” These are semi-finished or raw materials that cannot be used in cars yet. He said it is a standard practice for big refineries around the world to buy these materials and process them further to make high-quality fuel.
Mr. Bird made it clear that the refinery is built on a modern model used in Europe and Asia. This system allows them to mix and process different types of oil and materials to make sure the final product is the best quality possible. He said their petrol is lead-free and their diesel is “ultra-low sulphur,” which means they are cleaner for the environment and better for car engines.
“DPRP produces high-quality fuels aligned with international environmental and health standards. Our gasoline is lead-free and MMT-free with 50 parts per million sulphur, while our diesel meets ultra-low sulphur specifications. These standards help reduce emissions, protect engines, and safeguard public health,” Bird stated.
To show they have nothing to hide, the refinery management showed the visiting journalists samples of the raw materials they import compared to the finished, clean petrol they produce. Mr. Bird said that the semi-finished materials are not fit for any engine and would never be allowed to enter the Nigerian market in that state.
He noted that the refinery was built to stop the bad habit of dumping low-quality, “dirty” fuel in Nigeria. He added that the quality of what they produce is so good that they are now sending their products to international markets where standards are very high.
“It is unfortunate that some individuals are deliberately spreading misleading narratives about a refinery that has transformed Nigeria and the West African region from a dumping ground for substandard fuels into a hub for high-quality products,” he said.
Mr. Bird told Nigerians that they should not worry about fuel scarcity anymore, as the refinery is working hard to make sure fuel is always available. He also mentioned that by producing fuel locally, the refinery is helping to keep the Naira stable because the country doesn’t have to spend all its foreign exchange to buy petrol from abroad.
Also speaking at the event, the Group Chief Brand and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, told journalists to be very careful with the words they use. He said using the wrong names for oil products can confuse the public and cause people to panic for no reason.
The refinery management promised to keep being open with the public and the government about their work, as they continue to help Nigeria become a country that makes its own fuel instead of relying on others.
