While Dangote Refinery dominates headlines, the real lifeline of Nigeria’s petroleum supply often rests in the hands of independent depot owners.

These players store, distribute, and move millions of litres of fuel daily, ensuring petrol stations and the economy keep running.

From Lagos harbours to Calabar Free Trade Zones, they compete fiercely for market share, influence, and strategic advantage.

They also control depot prices in Nigeria, shifting the dynamics of fuel pricing in Nigeria's volatile petroleum sector.

MRS Oil Nigeria Plc

Sayyu Dantata, a relative of Aliko Dangote, runs one of Nigeria’s most influential oil companies with global reach. His vision blends aggressive retail expansion with tech-driven service.

Capacity & Reach: Over 150 million litres of storage in Lagos; integrated jetty operations.

Notable Moves: Rolled out a fuel-card system and expanded its nationwide station network after delisting from the NGX in 2025.

Matrix Energy Group

Founded by Ibrahim Akinola, Matrix has transformed from a modest fuel supplier into a major LPG and refined products distributor.

Capacity & Reach: Warri terminal holds 150 million litres; 5,000 MT LPG capacity.

Notable Moves: Growing foreign supply deals while strengthening its LPG market access.

Prudent Energy Ltd

Abdul Wasiu Sowami is known for building Prudent Energy into a disciplined, logistics-focused powerhouse.

Capacity & Reach: 54 million litres of storage in Oghara; large tanker fleet.

Notable Moves: Maximising near-full monthly capacity with new barges and expanded marine operations.

Rainoil Limited

Gabriel Ogbechie’s self-made success story runs through over 210 fuel stations nationwide.

Capacity & Reach: 150 million litres across three depots; 300+ truck fleet.

Notable Moves: Ten new petrol stations and LPG plants added in 2025.

AA Rano Nigeria Limited

Auwalu Abdullahi Rano, nicknamed “AA Rano,” is celebrated for his meteoric rise from small-scale trader to fuel magnate.

Capacity & Reach: 10,000 m³ LPG terminal at Ijegun Waterside.

Notable Moves: Expanding LPG reach across northern and southwestern markets.

Pinnacle Oil & Gas Limited

Enugu state governor Peter Mbah built Pinnacle into a major fuel logistics innovator before entering politics.

Capacity & Reach: 300+ million litres capacity at Lekki Free Trade Zone.

Notable Moves: Offshore discharge system slashes vessel delays and demurrage.

Northwest Petroleum & Gas Co. Ltd

Dame Winifred Akpani is among Nigeria’s most influential female oil executives, pioneering private crude lifting.

Capacity & Reach: 97 million litres in Calabar FTZ.

Notable Moves: Expanding LPG retail while operating at full capacity.

Bovas Company Limited

Victoria Samson’s company is respected for fair pricing and operational integrity.

Capacity & Reach: 62,000 MT combined depot capacity in Lagos.

Notable Moves: Growing retail network with a strong focus on southern supply resilience.

Masters Energy Oil & Gas Ltd

Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah's enterprise blends petroleum marketing with lubricant blending and LPG retail.

Capacity & Reach: 158 million litres of storage across three cities.

Notable Moves: Rolling out 50 new LPG outlets and negotiating cheaper import deals.

Mainland Oil & Gas Co. Ltd

Chris Odinaka Igwe is a philanthropist-entrepreneur with deep ties to the South-South oil economy.

Capacity & Reach: 65 million litres depot in Calabar FTZ.

Notable Moves: Expanding LPG operations in oil-producing states with CSR-driven projects.

These 10 depot owners are not only fuelling Nigeria’s economy, they are also quietly shaping its energy future.

Their operations, investments, and strategies will determine how the country’s petroleum sector competes locally and globally in the years ahead.