Nigeria’s refining sector is facing renewed tensions as disputes deepen between refinery operators, petroleum marketers, and truck drivers’ unions over the future of the downstream industry.
The Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) has urged the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) to embrace cooperation with local refineries, warning that ongoing clashes with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery could derail the country’s long-awaited refining revolution.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Eche Idoko, CORAN dismissed claims that Dangote was manipulating petrol prices to edge out competitors. Instead, the association stressed that domestic refining offers Nigeria a historic opportunity to reduce fuel imports, save foreign exchange, and create jobs.
“For decades, Nigeria endured the paradox of being Africa’s top crude producer while depending on imported refined products. The new refineries, led by Dangote and several modular projects, mark a turning point. What Nigeria cannot afford is for vested interests to derail this refining renaissance,” CORAN said.
It advised marketers and depot operators to reposition as logistics, storage, and distribution partners in the new domestic-driven era, instead of clinging to an outdated import model.
Meanwhile, Senator Steve Karimi (Kogi West) weighed in on the separate dispute involving Dangote Refinery and unions under NUPENG and the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association. He appealed to the unions to negotiate rather than embark on industrial actions that could disrupt operations.
Karimi described the refinery as a “blessing to the economy,” noting that it has already reduced Nigeria’s dependence on fuel imports and helped stabilise the naira. He praised President Bola Tinubu for supporting local refining through crude supply agreements and urged all parties to sustain the momentum.
“The refinery has given life to subsidy removal. Any disruption now will harm not just Dangote but millions of Nigerians relying on affordable and stable supply,” Karimi warned.
Analysts say the unfolding disputes highlight the fragile balance Nigeria must maintain in its transition from decades of import dependence to a self-sufficient refining economy.
