The Dangote Refinery has accused an international trading company of attempting to undermine Nigeria’s domestic refining industry by producing low-quality products near its facility.
The refinery stated that this competitor “has recently hired a depot facility next to the Dangote Refinery, with the objective of using it to blend substandard products that will be dumped into the market to compete with Dangote Refinery’s higher quality production.”
According to Dangote Refinery, in a statement signed by Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer on Sunday, such tactics “are detrimental to the growth of domestic refining in Nigeria.”
The refinery highlighted that it is common for nations to safeguard their local industries to promote economic growth and job creation.
“We should point out that it is not unusual for countries to protect their domestic industries in order to provide jobs and grow the economy,” the statement noted, citing high tariffs on electric vehicles and microchips in the United States and Europe as examples of protective measures.
The company reiterated its commitment to delivering affordable, quality petroleum products for Nigerians, urging the public to reject misinformation.
“While we continue with our determination to provide affordable, good quality, domestically refined petroleum products in Nigeria, we call on the public to disregard the deliberate disinformation being circulated by agents of people who prefer for us to continue to export jobs and import poverty.”
Dangote Refinery appealed to Nigerians to support the growth of local refining and remain vigilant against actions that may hinder the country’s economic progress.
The statement added, “At the same time, an international trading company has recently hired a depot facility next to the Dangote Refinery, with the objective of using it to blend substandard products that will be dumped into the market to compete with Dangote Refinery’s higher quality production.
“This is detrimental to the growth of domestic refining in Nigeria. We should point out that it is not unusual for countries to protect their domestic industries in order to provide jobs and grow the economy. For example, the US and Europe have had to impose high tariffs on EVs and microchips in order to protect their domestic industries.”