The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, demanding that it either retract allegations of product smuggling or provide verifiable evidence.
In a strongly worded statement released on September 15, 2025, the association accused the refinery of making “misleading and factually incorrect” claims that distort market realities, undermine regulators, and push for monopolization of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
Smuggling Allegations: A Security Matter
At the centre of the dispute is Dangote’s claim that DAPPMAN members divert petroleum products to neighbouring countries. DAPPMAN dismissed the accusation as baseless and described it as a national security issue that only relevant authorities, such as Customs and security agencies can address.
“We issue a seven-day ultimatum to the refinery to either retract this allegation or provide documented proof. If neither occurs, we reserve the right to seek legal redress,” the association declared.
NUPENG Strike Allegation Rejected
The marketers also rejected Dangote’s suggestion that they sponsored a planned strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (NUPENG). According to DAPPMAN, industry unions such as NUPENG, NARTO, PETROAN, MEMAN, and IPMAN are independent and pursue their own interests. “DAPPMAN does not control labour unions or interfere in their decisions,” the statement read.
Pricing and Market Forces
DAPPMAN argued that recent reductions in petrol prices were not driven by Dangote’s refinery, but by broader economic conditions. The association cited:
- A stronger naira, averaging between ₦1,500 and ₦1,550/$1 since Q1 2025.
- Falling international crude oil prices, from $92 to $76 per barrel.
- Increased foreign exchange liquidity under the Central Bank of Nigeria.
It insisted that these macroeconomic factors, not a single refinery, are responsible for price trends.
Exports, Round-Tripping, and Double Standards
The association defended the export of Nigerian refined products to West Africa, describing it as evidence of an open, competitive market. It argued that if restrictive practices existed, Dangote would not have been able to export to neighbouring countries.
On allegations of “round-tripping” where marketers supposedly re-import Dangote products via Togo, DAPPMAN described the claim as misleading. It explained that Offshore Lome is a regional trading hub, not a blending facility, and accused Dangote of hypocrisy for offering foreign buyers discounts of over $40/MT while restricting Nigerian marketers from similar opportunities.
Product Quality and Regulatory Oversight
DAPPMAN accused Dangote of double standards on fuel quality. It noted that the refinery itself applied to NMDPRA for approval to distribute petrol with sulphur levels above the 50ppm benchmark — in direct violation of Section 317(1) of the Petroleum Industry Act. At the same time, Dangote publicly blamed marketers for importing substandard fuels.
The group further stressed that only the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has the mandate to track national supply and dispatch volumes. According to DAPPMAN, Dangote currently supplies less than 35% of Nigeria’s demand, making its consumption estimates unreliable.
Road Safety Concerns Over CNG Trucks
While supporting the government’s push for compressed natural gas (CNG) adoption, DAPPMAN cautioned against Dangote’s planned deployment of 4,000 new trucks without proper safety checks. Citing the conglomerate’s “well-documented history of fatal road accidents involving poorly trained or unsupervised drivers,” the marketers warned that the move would worsen road congestion and safety risks, particularly on the Lekki–Epe Expressway.
Market Structure and Regulatory Credibility
The marketers rejected Dangote’s characterisation of depots, trucks, and filling stations as “mere assets,” insisting that Nigeria’s downstream system depends on its hundreds of depots, thousands of filling stations, and over 30,000 trucks managed by NARTO.
They also warned against rhetoric that undermines confidence in regulators such as NMDPRA, Customs, and border agencies. According to DAPPMAN, this narrative threatens President Bola Tinubu’s deregulation and competition reforms by subtly promoting protectionism.
Demand for Fair Competition
Reiterating its stance, DAPPMAN insisted it does not seek confrontation but a level playing field.
“We seek a petroleum market where supply is diversified, safe, and competitive. We resist any attempt to disguise a monopoly as patriotism.”
The association concluded with a demand that Dangote be held to the same standards of transparency, fairness, and accountability as other players.