All is set for the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical to begin fuel exports to South Africa, Angola, and Namibia, NEW DAILY PRIME has learnt.
According to a source, the management of the refinery was at advanced stages of talks with the countries to start lifting fuel.
It was learnt that four other African countries, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, Central African Republic and Chad had also started negotiation with the refinery and that more countries were being expected to signify interest in lifting fuel from the refinery in the coming months.
Meanwhile, in the recent past, Ghana was reported to have expressed interest in buying petrol from the Lekki-based refinery.
Commenting on the development, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, the Chairman of the National Petroleum Authority, Ghana said the arrangement with Dangote refinery would end his country’s monthly $400m fuel imports from Europe.
The source said, “I can confirm to you that talk is actually at an advanced stage with Ghana, Angola, Namibia and South Africa, while initial discussion is coming up with Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso and Central African Republic.”
When asked why marketers are insisting on not buying from Dangote despite the refinery’s capacity, the source said the dealers had hidden agenda.
The source said, “However, between now and January 2025, their plan would be exposed. Dangote refinery remains the hope of this country for a sustainable supply of petrol and the refinery has the capacity to serve the entire country.”
It would be recalled that local marketers have resolved to import fuel from outside the country.
Last week, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PPROAN) insisted on fuel importation after accusing the Dangote refinery of selling fuel to Nigerians at an exorbitant price.
The marketers are awaiting the approvals of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to import cheaper petrol.
The marketers argued that importing more affordable petrol would offer relief for consumers still adjusting to the price surges following the removal of fuel subsidy.
