Dangote Refinery Begins Fuel Exports as Local Marketers Turn to Foreign Supply

Lagos, Nigeria , July 23, 2025

In a significant development for Africa’s oil industry, the Dangote Refinery has successfully exported 1.3 billion liters of petrol, marking a major milestone for the continent’s largest private oil facility.

While the refinery, located in Lagos’ Lekki Free Trade Zone, has ramped up production and export capacity, Nigerian fuel marketers have increasingly turned to foreign refineries to meet domestic demand. Industry sources say local marketers are importing petrol from Europe and Asia, citing price, supply contracts, and regulatory delays as reasons.

The contrast has raised questions about Nigeria’s fuel pricing structure and the readiness of local stakeholders to fully adopt locally refined products.

Aliko Dangote, the billionaire industrialist behind the project, has expressed concern. “We built this refinery to make Nigeria self-sufficient in fuel,” he said during a recent industry roundtable. “It’s surprising to see our own marketers bypassing our supply in favor of foreign imports.”

Energy analysts argue that subsidies, logistical bottlenecks, and longstanding foreign trade relationships are among the reasons marketers are hesitant. Meanwhile, Nigeria continues to spend heavily on fuel imports, despite having a functional mega-refinery on its soil.

Government officials have pledged to review policies and ensure a level playing field that favors local production.

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Analysis: A Human Understanding

At the heart of this story is a paradox: Nigeria now has the capacity to produce its own fuel, yet it still relies on foreign sources. For the average Nigerian, this means continued exposure to volatile global prices, scarcity, and inconsistent fuel supply—even when the country is technically capable of producing what it needs.

The Dangote Refinery represents hope—jobs, economic growth, and energy independence. But unless policy, trust, and local market alignment catch up, Nigerians may not feel the full benefits. The issue isn’t just about fuel; it’s about whether Nigeria can break free from its dependence on imports and fully trust in its own capacity.

To everyday citizens, it’s frustrating: why is fuel still expensive or scarce when it’s being made just a few hours away? This story reflects the gap between national potential and practical reality—a challenge that Nigeria must urgently address.