Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals on Tuesday issued a strong statement to Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, asserting that deregulation should not be used as a justification for importing off-spec petroleum products or undermining Nigeria’s national interests.
The refinery’s response came after comments by the Chief Executive of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, Robert Dickerman, who had framed the importation and blending of petroleum products within the context of a “deregulated commodity market.”
Dangote Refinery emphasized that such practices should not be condoned, particularly in a market aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s economic and energy interests.
Dangote refinery responded to Robert Dickerman’s argument for a deregulated market, stating that it could not mask the serious consequences of his actions.
The refinery argued that such actions not only jeopardize the integrity of Nigeria’s energy sector but also threaten the welfare of its citizens.
While reaffirming its support for deregulation and industrialization, the refinery emphasized that this support is rooted in a commitment to the sustainable growth of the country’s economy and the protection of its people from exploitation.
The refinery made it clear that the health and safety of Nigerians should never be sacrificed for profit.
The statement said, “The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Company has long been an advocate for deregulation and industrialisation in Nigeria, but our support is rooted in a commitment to the sustainable growth of the country’s economy and the protection of its people from any exploitation.
“Unlike Dickerman’s view, deregulation should not be a licence for the importation and distribution of off-spec products or the subversion of national interests.”
Dangote Refinery further pointed out that, as an American, Robert Dickerman should be well aware of how the U.S. protects its own industries.
The refinery highlighted recent actions by U.S. President Joe Biden as a key example, particularly his opposition to the sale of U.S. Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel.
Dangote emphasized that Biden’s stance underscores the importance of safeguarding critical national industries, such as steel, to protect American workers and long-term economic stability.
“It is, therefore, perplexing that Dickerman, with all his experience in the US market, would advocate for the importation and blending of petroleum products to Nigeria under the claim of deregulation and a free market.
“The fact is that he had deceitfully approached us and pleaded that we extend the pipeline from our refinery to Pinnacle’s tank farms for the purpose of blending our high-quality products with their imported products and selling them to Nigerians.
“We categorically rejected his request to extend our pipeline to their tank farms for such devious purposes because it would be a betrayal of the Nigerian people’s trust. The health and safety of Nigerians cannot—and should not—be compromised for profit,” the statement added.
Dangote Refinery also voiced concerns over Pinnacle Oil’s decision to lease its tank farms to a company without retail outlets in Nigeria, questioning the strategic motives behind such a move, especially given the farms’ proximity—just 500 meters—from Dangote’s refinery.
The refinery expressed heightened vigilance, warning of coordinated efforts aimed at undermining its operations, and drawing comparisons to the decline of refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri.
Dangote Refinery called on the federal government, as well as patriotic Nigerians and local businesses, to stay committed to protecting the nation’s sovereignty and economic independence.
The Refinery stated, “The choice we face is between fostering industrialisation or allowing Nigeria to remain a dumping ground for inferior products while exporting jobs. For nearly three decades, cartels and their collaborators have sabotaged efforts to develop Nigeria’s refining capacity, keeping the country dependent on imported products.
“The time has come to end this cycle of exploitation and ensure that Nigeria’s energy sector works for the benefit of its people.”
