Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, has accused the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority of issuing what he described as reckless licences for the importation of petroleum products from Russia, a practice he claims is undermining Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
Dangote made the remarks during a media engagement at the Dangote Refinery on Sunday, where he spoke extensively on the state of the downstream industry and broader challenges facing the sector. In his comments, he alleged that the continued approval of import licences runs counter to national economic interests, particularly at a time when Nigeria is seeking to strengthen domestic refining capacity.
According to Dangote, the leadership of the NMDPRA has persisted in granting import approvals despite the availability of locally refined products. He argued that this approach weakens investment confidence in local refining and discourages efforts aimed at achieving energy self-sufficiency. He further alleged that officials within the regulatory authority are working in concert with international traders and petroleum importers to sustain fuel imports at the expense of domestic producers.
The industrialist also made direct allegations of corruption against Farouk Ahmed, the chief executive officer of the NMDPRA. Dangote claimed that the actions of the authority’s leadership have created structural obstacles for local refiners, including his own refinery, which he said has made deliberate efforts to supply petroleum products at competitive prices.
He warned that the continued issuance of import licences, particularly for products sourced from Russia, could have damaging consequences for the Nigerian economy. According to him, such practices negate the benefits of massive private investment in refining infrastructure and expose the country to unnecessary external dependence.
Dangote maintained that local refining should be prioritised as a matter of policy, not only to stabilise fuel supply and pricing but also to protect jobs, conserve foreign exchange, and support long-term economic growth. He described the current licensing regime as inconsistent with these objectives and called for greater transparency and accountability in regulatory decisions affecting the downstream sector.
As of the time of reporting, the NMDPRA has not publicly responded to Dangote’s allegations. The claims, however, have intensified debate around fuel importation, regulatory oversight, and the future direction of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum industry, particularly as the country seeks to transition toward greater domestic production and reduced reliance on imports.
