The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced an immediate suspension of petroleum product sales to unregistered and unauthorized marketers, in a move aimed at strengthening regulatory compliance and ensuring transparency in the downstream oil sector. The decision, confirmed on Thursday, comes as the refinery steps up efforts to streamline distribution and curb sharp practices within Nigeria’s fuel supply chain.
According to management sources, the measure is part of a broader strategy to protect the integrity of the domestic petroleum market by ensuring that only duly licensed dealers participate in lifting products from the multibillion-dollar facility. Officials noted that unregistered middlemen had increasingly posed challenges in the distribution process, leading to supply distortions and pricing irregularities.
Industry observers say the move underscores the refinery’s determination to operate within international best practices, particularly as it ramps up production to meet Nigeria’s fuel demands. By insisting on dealing strictly with registered marketers, the company aims to eliminate cases of diversion, hoarding, and unauthorized resale that have long plagued the downstream industry.
The development is also seen as aligning with the federal government’s efforts to sanitize the petroleum sector, especially following recent concerns over rising pump prices and product availability. Energy experts believe that Dangote’s decision will help foster greater accountability and strengthen collaboration between regulators and operators.
For registered marketers, the new policy offers opportunities for enhanced access and improved business confidence, as it guarantees that only vetted entities can participate in product lifting. However, stakeholders warn that unregistered dealers may attempt to bypass the system, calling for tighter enforcement and monitoring by relevant agencies.
The Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest single-train refinery, is regarded as a game-changer for Nigeria’s energy sector, with a daily capacity of 650,000 barrels. Since commencing operations, it has been positioned as a critical pillar in reducing the country’s dependence on imported refined products while also creating a more competitive market.
As the refinery strengthens its compliance framework, industry watchers say the latest decision sends a strong message to market players: only transparency, regulation, and due process will drive the future of petroleum distribution in Nigeria.
