Dangote Petroleum Refinery has denied allegations of monopolistic practices, insisting that Nigeria’s oil sector remains open and competitive.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement issued on Friday, September 12, 2025, the company said more than 30 refinery licences have been issued to private investors, with active projects underway by BUA, Aradel, Walter Smith, and the Edo Refinery.
“Responding to accusations of monopolistic behaviour, Dangote Refinery emphasised its compliance with Nigeria’s deregulated oil sector under the supervision of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The company highlighted that over 30 refinery licences have been issued to private players,” the statement read.
The company further dismissed claims of labour abuse, stressing that its projects—including the rollout of compressed natural gas (CNG) powered trucks—are generating thousands of jobs, while employees are free to join recognised trade unions.
On fuel pricing, Dangote Refinery said its operations have stabilised supply and reduced costs, noting that diesel prices have dropped by more than 30% in the past year while petrol remains competitive compared with regional markets. It added that domestic supply of LPG has expanded, helping lower cooking gas prices and encouraging cleaner household energy use.
Since its commissioning, the refinery said it has become a net exporter of refined fuels, supplying international markets while producing by-products such as LPG, polypropylene, and naphtha to support manufacturing, aviation, and agriculture.
Reiterating its stance, Dangote Group described NUPENG’s allegations as “entirely unfounded” and urged other private operators to continue investing in Nigeria’s economic future.
The clarification comes after the refinery announced it would begin direct supply of petrol to 11 states starting Monday, September 15. Initial retail pump prices were set at ₦841 per litre in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti, and ₦851 per litre in Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara.
NUPENG’s Pushback
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has accused the refinery of anti-union practices. It alleged that Dangote Refinery drivers were told to remove NUPENG stickers from their trucks and were forced to attempt loading at the facility in violation of agreed protocols—barely days after the union suspended a nationwide strike.
NUPENG said the development contradicted a workers’ rights resolution signed in the presence of three federal ministers and a deputy director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The union also claimed that Alhaji Sayyu Aliu Dantata, a Dangote Group official, flew over the site in a helicopter and called in the Navy to intimidate its officials.
In response, NUPENG placed members on red alert, warning that it could resume industrial action if agreements continue to be flouted.
The union said the alleged actions reflect “a disregard for federal agreements” and insisted that “corporate influence does not place any individual above the law.”
