Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has called on President Bola Tinubu to expand the 'Nigeria First' policy by banning the importation of refined petroleum products.

His request, made at a major industry conference, has sparked intense backlash from independent oil marketers and sector analysts who say such a move could cripple competition and empower a monopoly.

Importation killing refineries, says Dangote

The ‘Nigeria First’ directive, announced in May 2025, restricts government agencies from importing goods and services that are already available locally, unless granted a special waiver.

Dangote believes this policy should now extend to petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel to encourage local refining.

Speaking at the Global Commodity Insights Conference in Abuja, Dangote argued that allowing fuel imports undermines Nigeria’s refining capacity and deters further investment. He said:

“The Nigeria First policy announced by His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, should apply to the petroleum product sector and all other sectors.”

He disclosed that Nigeria has already become a net exporter of petrol, with 1.35 billion litres shipped abroad in just 50 days between June and July 2025.

“Before I came on the podium, I asked my people how many tonnes of PMS we have exported. We have done 1 million tonnes of PMS,” he stated.

Marketers say ban will wreck competition

But independent marketers swiftly rejected the idea. Chinedu Ukadike, National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), warned that banning fuel imports could lead to inflation and monopolistic control.

“If the government does that, it means we will not be able to check the monopoly.

We should continue to import even as we buy locally,” Ukadike argued. He cited statements from regulators like the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) affirming that Dangote’s refinery alone can’t meet national demand.

Retailers: Free market, not monopoly

Billy Gillis-Harry, President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), said banning imports contradicts the principles of a free economy.

He warned that allowing one refinery to dominate the market could stifle energy access and fair pricing.

“Importation is not killing the economy. It is stabilising the market. The issue is that we need multiple sources of energy,” he added.

Expert: Banning imports violates trade laws

Punch quoted Legal and energy expert Professor Dayo Ayoade of the University of Lagos, opposing the ban.

“It would give a monopoly to a private individual. For reasons of energy and national security, that would be completely unacceptable,” he said.

He added that international trade agreements frown upon outright bans, urging the government to instead liberalise the sector and encourage more refineries to come on stream.

More refineries needed, say stakeholders

Despite the controversy, all stakeholders agree on one point—Nigeria needs more refineries. Dangote urged the NMDPRA to revoke licences from investors sitting on dormant projects.

Ukadike echoed the call: “You can’t obtain a licence to decorate your house. The nation needs action.”

Dangote has maintained that his $20 billion refinery, which will soon increase to 700,000 barrels per day, can handle Nigeria’s needs.

He recently retired as Chairman of Dangote Cement to focus fully on the refinery and upcoming free fuel delivery scheme, which begins August 1 with 4,000 CNG-powered trucks.

Dangote Refinery reportedly dumps marketers

Legit.ng earlier reported that in a dramatic twist that sent shockwaves throughout the downstream petroleum industry, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery Limited has ended its deal and allegedly dumped its direct marketers.

The development comes as the facility plans to start an ambitious nationwide fuel distribution on August 15, 2025.

According to reports, a letter by the mega refinery to all its partner marketers and filling stations dated July 13, 2025, and signed by Dangote Group’s Executive Director of Commercial Operations, Fatima Dangote, disclosed that the refinery has suspended its discounted fuel supply scheme.