Dangote Group Denies Reselling Crude: ‘CDU in Perfect Condition,’ Says Spokesperson

In a firm rebuttal to recent media reports, the Dangote Group has denied allegations that its Dangote Refinery is reselling crude oil sourced from Nigeria and the United States. The refinery, located in one of the country’s Free Trade Zones and capable of processing 650,000 barrels per day (bpd), was reported by Reuters to be offering crude for sale due to technical constraints.

Four trade sources had purportedly informed Reuters that the Lagos-based refinery faced operational issues, prompting it to seek buyers for its crude. An unnamed Dangote executive, however, dismissed claims of a malfunctioning crude distillation unit (CDU).

Responding to a query from PREMIUM TIMES, Anthony Chiejina, the chief spokesperson for Dangote Industries Limited, described the Reuters report as “misleading” and urged the public to disregard it.

“This is outright falsehood as we are not authorised to sell any crude we buy from Nigeria! Also, our CDU is working and in perfect condition,” Chiejina stated emphatically. He advised the public to ignore such false narratives, attributing them to those opposing the importation of cleaner fuels into Nigeria.

Reuters had identified Nigerian oil grades, Forcados and Escravos, and the US West Texas Intermediate Midland crude as among those the refinery allegedly sought to sell. The limited supply from trade partners, including the state oil company NNPC Limited, which has only delivered five cargoes since January against the expected fifteen, has led the refinery to source feedstock from the US and Brazil, and turn to smaller African producers like Libya and Angola.

The Dangote Refinery aims to significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependency on fuel imports and export surplus production. The mega plant plans to increase its production to 550,000 bpd or 85% of its capacity this year. Once fully operational, it will be the largest refinery in Africa and Europe, projected to generate $26 billion in annual revenue.