October 12, (THEWILL) — The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has denied reports making the rounds that it imported finished premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, with high sulphur content into Nigeria.
Several media outlets had claimed that the refinery imported petrol which contains a very high sulphur concentration which is injurious to motor vehicle engines.
In a statement on Friday, Dangote Refinery said the reports are false, malicious and misleading.
However, the refinery explained that the cargo in question is an intermediate feedstock and not finished petrol.
Intermediate feedstock is an unrefined product that still needs further processing to become a usable fuel like petrol, while finished petrol is the final form of the intermediate feedstock.
Dangote Refinery added that it is willing to make the documents publicly available in the interest of full transparency and accountability.
“Dangote Petroleum Refinery has noted reports claiming it is importing finished petrol (PMS) with high sulphur content into Nigeria. These reports are false, malicious and misleading,” the statement reads.
“As a world-scale complex refinery, Dangote processes a range of crude oils and intermediate feed stocks, a standard global practice aimed at optimising production and quality.
“The cargo in question is an intermediate feedstock, not finished petrol and will be fully refined in our units to meet Nigerian and international quality standards.”
The refinery noted that all imports are accompanied by quality certificates, which are shared transparently with regulatory authorities.
Dangote Refinery said it refines and sells only high-quality fuels that fully comply with all regulatory standards, while operating within a free trade zone.
“Our exports of petroleum products to the United States and Europe, among the world’s most regulated markets, underscore our adherence to global benchmarks,” the refinery said.
The plant said it remains fully committed to advancing Nigeria’s energy independence, maintaining the highest standards of quality and transparency, and providing cleaner fuels for Nigeria and beyond.
This comes on the heels of a group of prominent Nigerians, including religious leaders, business figures, and civil society advocates, jointly appealing for calm and sustained dialogue in the wake of recent disruptions surrounding the Dangote Refinery.
In a joint statement issued on Monday, October 6, 2025, the signatories expressed concern over the industrial disputes that briefly threatened operations at the multi-billion-dollar refinery before government mediation helped to de-escalate tensions.
The group noted that while the immediate crisis between labour and management has been resolved, the episode underscores critical lessons for Nigeria’s economic future.
“For decades, Nigerians endured the collapse of government-owned refineries, wasteful subsidy regimes, and dependence on fuel imports,” the statement read. “In this context, the Dangote Refinery represents more than a private venture; it is a national symbol of what bold domestic investment can achieve.”
According to the statement, the refinery’s operations have already contributed to a drop in petrol prices — from around ₦1,500 to about ₦820 per litre — representing a 55 percent reduction in some areas. This, they said, has begun to ease the burden of transport and food costs on ordinary Nigerians.
However, the leaders warned that recurring labour unrest and threats of industrial action could undermine investor confidence at a time when Nigeria urgently needs fresh capital and innovation.
They outlined three key principles for managing such disputes: respect for workers’ rights, protection of productive enterprises, and commitment to social responsibility and transparency by investors.
“Workers must be treated fairly, but industrial action should not hold the economy hostage,” they cautioned, adding that grievances about monopoly or pricing should be addressed through statutory agencies like the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) rather than through strikes.
The statement commended the Federal Government, labour unions, and the Dangote Group for embracing dialogue instead of confrontation, describing the resolution process as “a positive template for future engagements.”
Signatories to the statement include Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, Aisha Yesufu, Arunma Oteh, Atedo Peterside (CON), Bishop Matthew Kukah (CON), Dr. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman, Dudu Mamman Manuga, Ibrahim Dahiru Waziri, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II (Sarkin Kano), Obonganwan Barbara Etim James, Opeyemi Adamolekun, Osita Chidoka, and Senator Sola Akinyede.
“The Dangote Refinery represents an audacious step toward self-reliance,” the group affirmed. “It should be strengthened, not undermined — as a signal that investing in Nigeria’s future is worthwhile.”
The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery has issued a formal note of appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, senior ministers, and Nigeria’s security chiefs for their role in resolving the recent industrial dispute with PENGASSAN.
In a statement signed by the refinery’s management on Monday (October 6), Dangote described the government’s swift intervention as decisive in averting a potential nationwide energy disruption and restoring stability to Nigeria’s petroleum supply chain.
The refinery commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Toyin Ajayi, and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Mohammed, for working “tirelessly” to safeguard the country’s energy infrastructure.
The statement expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support during the crisis, noting that public encouragement from “the street corners and media channels” strengthened its resolve to continue operations.
“To Nigerians of all walks of life, we owe you more than a debt of gratitude. Your support for our righteous cause was humbling and overwhelming,” the management said.
Dangote also praised its employees for ensuring uninterrupted operations throughout the strike, describing them as “the strength of the Dangote Group” and pledging to reward their loyalty.
