By Abdulkarim Ibrahim
Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has called on President Bola Tinubu to extend the “Nigeria First” policy to include refined petroleum products. This policy, introduced by President Tinubu in May, prioritizes local goods and services over foreign ones in government procurement.
Intel Region reports that the “Nigeria First” initiative requires government agencies to source goods and services locally, unless special justification and clearance are obtained from the Bureau of Public Procurement. Dangote believes that this policy should be expanded to include petrol, diesel, and other refined products to boost local refining and promote economic growth.
By extending the “Nigeria First” policy to refined petroleum products, Dangote aims to promote local industry and reduce dependence on foreign products. This move would align with the policy’s objective of prioritizing local goods and services, ultimately benefiting the Nigerian economy.
Dangote called for the “Nigeria First” policy to be applied to the petroleum sector, advocating for a ban on imported fuel to safeguard his $20 billion refinery investment.
Dangote stated that the surge of cheap and substandard fuel imports, allegedly subsidized and from countries like Russia, is threatening the financial sustainability of local refineries.
“Due to the price caps on the Russian petroleum products, discounted petroleum products produced in Russia or with discounted Russian crude find their way to Africa, severely undercutting our local production,” he noted.
He added that, “In Nigeria, due to this unfair competition, this price is just about 60 cents, even cheaper than Saudi Arabia, which produces and refines its own oil. This is due to the fact that we are having too much dumping. To remain viable, we urge the governments across Africa to take deliberate steps as the United States, Canada, and the European Union have done to protect domestic producers from unfair competition.”
Dangote emphasized that his goal is not to monopolize the sector, but to promote local investment and production. He criticized those who invest abroad while complaining about local investors, highlighting the need for Nigerians with resources to invest in the country.
“Let me take this opportunity to address concerns around monopoly and dominance. The reality is that too many people who have the means and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our nation’s growth choose instead to criticize from the sidelines while investing their wealth abroad,” Dangote said
Dangote highlighted his refinery’s capacity to meet local fuel needs by revealing that Nigeria has become a net exporter of petroleum products. In just 50 days, the refinery exported around 1.35 billion liters of petrol to countries worldwide.
According to Dangote, the refinery exported approximately 1 million tons of petrol between June and July 2025, which translates to around 1.35 billion liters. This export achievement demonstrates the refinery’s production capacity and potential to meet Nigeria’s fuel demands.
“Today, Nigeria has actually become a net exporter of refined products. Before I came on the podium, I asked my people how many tons of PMS we have actually exported. From June beginning to date, we have exported about 1 million tonnes of PMS, within the last 50 days,” he said.
Independent petroleum marketers have expressed disagreement with Dangote’s proposal to ban fuel imports. According to Chinedu Ukadike, National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, the sector would suffer if the government were to implement such a ban.
Ukadike argued that banning imports would lead to a monopoly, as Dangote’s refinery is currently the only operational one in the country. This, he claimed, would hinder efforts to control inflation. Instead, the marketers suggest a balanced approach that allows for both local purchases and imports.
The marketers urge the government to maintain the current policy, permitting imports alongside local purchases. This, they believe, would ensure a more stable and competitive market, rather than relying solely on local production.
“I heard that the NMDPRA stated clearly that Dangote cannot produce all the fuel that the country needs. We will appreciate it if the country allows importation to continue since we are not paying subsidy.”
Reacting to Dangote’s claim that importation would kill businesses and local refineries, Ukadike differed.
“Importation won’t kill local businesses or refineries; it will strengthen them. It will ensure local refineries step up their game. I don’t agree with Dangote on this,” he said.
Also, the National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gillis-Harry, kicked against the call to ban fuel Importation. He said no one company should be allowed to dominate the downstream sector in a free economy.
While acknowledging the need to ban the importation of certain goods, he stated that these should not include fuel, emphasizing that Nigeria requires multiple sources of energy.
Gillis-Harry stated, “I don’t agree with Dangote. We are running a free economy. There’s no reason why any one company should have an overarching value on the entire industry.
“Importation is not killing the economy. Importation is stabilizing the sources of petroleum products. Importation of all products is useful. However, those that can be produced in Nigeria, like toothpicks, garri, egusi soup, cassava, and others like that, should be banned.
“But importation of refined petroleum products should not be banned because it helps to ensure that there are multiple sources of energy and replenishment.”
However, despite the criticism, Dangote insisted on reforms. He urged the government to revoke unused refinery licenses, a position supported by Ukadike, who argued that licenses must serve a functional purpose and not be hoarded.
Meanwhile, preparations continue at the Dangote Refinery as it gears up to launch a nationwide fuel delivery system on August 1, using 4,000 compressed natural gas-powered trucks. The project aims to deliver petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel directly to filling stations and bulk consumers, including telecom companies.
Dangote recently stepped down from his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors at Dangote Cement to focus fully on his refinery, fertilizer, and petrochemicals ventures.