The Dangote refinery says it has recognized people behind claims that it imports petrol into Nigeria, describing the narrative as deceptive and intentionally propagated.
In a press release issued on Monday, the refinery mentioned it will disclose the identities and motives of these accountable “on the applicable time,” including that they might face authorized motion.
“This propaganda is being promoted by unpatriotic and unscrupulous people who can’t afford to see Nigeria cease imports,” the assertion mentioned, accusing them of benefiting from previous “fraudulent financing transactions” linked to repairs of state-owned refineries.
On February 4, David Chook, chief government officer of the refinery, clarified that the ability doesn’t import petroleum merchandise however solely intermediate feedstocks utilized in refining.
The refinery mentioned current stories — attributed to a world intelligence agency and amplified by means of newspaper commercials — falsely urged that it imports completed Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
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It mentioned the difficulty was addressed at an S&P World discussion board in the UK, the place contributors acknowledged the refinery’s position in reshaping Nigeria’s refining capability.
In line with the corporate, Dangote refinery imports solely intermediate streams and mixing elements, resembling high-sulphur reformates and low-RON condensates, which require additional processing earlier than assembly market specs.
“These supplies are usually not petrol and can’t be bought as such with out further refining,” the assertion mentioned, including that the apply is commonplace amongst massive refineries in Europe and Asia.
The refinery mentioned the one petrol it provides to the Nigerian market is Euro 5–compliant PMS, which undergoes high quality testing earlier than distribution.
It added that since commencing operations, it has improved gasoline high quality in Nigeria and lowered reliance on high-sulphur petrol imports.
Dangote refinery urged trade stakeholders to make sure technical accuracy and accountability in public reporting on refining operations.
