Trade Map Report: Dangote Accusations Ignite Controversy Over NNPC

According to Trade Map data, Nigeria imported petroleum oils derived from bituminous minerals worth $2.8 billion in 2023, a significant 342 percent increase from $47.5 million in 2013.

Over nine years, Nigeria imported fuel worth $2.25 billion from Malta. Detailed records show fuel imports of $59.98 million in 2014, $117.01 million in 2015, and $13.32 million in 2016. From 2017 to 2022, there were no recorded fuel imports from Malta. However, in 2023, there was a substantial import of $2.08 billion worth of fuel.

In response to allegations from Alhaji Aliko Dangote, founder of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, the NNPC helmsman stated he has no business operations directly or by proxy globally, except for a local agricultural venture. He also denied any knowledge of NNPC employees owning or operating blending plants in Malta or elsewhere.

Dangote’s comments followed accusations by the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed, who claimed Dangote’s refinery produced diesel with higher sulfur content than imported fuel. Ahmed also stated that the country would continue to import fuel to prevent Dangote’s monopoly.