KEY POINTS
- Dangote Group’s spokesman assures Nigerians that fuel prices will remain steady despite the new import tariff.
- Company says the policy aims to stop dumping of low-quality fuel and boost local refining.
- Dismisses monopoly claims, urging investors to develop refineries rather than rely on imports.
The Dangote Group has moved to allay public concerns over Nigeria’s new fuel import tariff, saying the policy will not raise pump prices but will instead protect the country’s domestic refining sector and encourage industrial growth.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE News on Sunday, Anthony Chiejina, the company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, said fuel prices would remain stable for the rest of the year despite President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a 15 per cent import duty on petrol and diesel.
“This 15 per cent tariff is about preventing dumping, not about high pricing,” Chiejina said. “I can assure Nigerians that our price will remain stable between now and the end of the year. If it changes at all, it will come lower than people expect.”
He described the backlash against the policy as “misplaced populism,” explaining that the measure was consistent with global practice to protect national industries. “No nation advocates dumping. Dumping destroys industrialisation, creates poverty, and kills jobs. Every responsible government must defend its industries,” he stated.
Tariff Aims to Curb Dumping and Build Energy Independence
Chiejina praised President Tinubu’s “tactical and focused leadership,” saying the government had studied the policy carefully before its implementation. He likened the President’s decision-making to “a heavyweight boxer landing precise blows that leave opponents technically knocked out.”
Addressing fears of market dominance, he rejected claims that the tariff was designed to favour the Dangote Refinery, stressing that competition remained open. “Competition is good for everybody,” he said. “Fifteen refinery licences have been granted to investors. The sky is wide enough for every bird to fly.”
Chiejina accused critics of the refinery of spreading falsehoods. “These are alarmists the Nicodemus of our times—who spread lies in public and dine with power in private. Nigerians must see through the deception,” he added.
He argued that many fuel importers were only interested in short-term profits, importing substandard products that damage engines and undermine the economy. “Africa spends nearly $20 billion annually importing fuel. Apart from South Africa and Dangote Refinery, no other African country has a functional refinery. This policy will help end that dependence,” he said.
Chiejina also dismissed reports of staff victimisation within the Dangote Group, clarifying that recent redeployments were routine. “We are a large conglomerate with sugar, salt, fertiliser, and refinery operations. Staff transfers are normal. Even I can be reassigned anywhere it’s not punishment,” he noted.
He highlighted the group’s growing influence across Africa, revealing that Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed had invited the company to establish a $2.5 billion fertiliser plant. “When Aliko Dangote visits Ethiopia, it’s like a rock star arriving,” he said. “The people welcome him because they know his investments create jobs and opportunities. It’s ironic that in his own country, some still try to demonise him.”
Chiejina, a Knight of St. Lumumba in the Catholic Church, also addressed recent comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump alleging religious persecution in Nigeria. “It’s too early to draw conclusions,” he said. “The Catholic Bishops’ Conference has always spoken against insecurity affecting all Nigerians. The key point is that government must protect every life Christian or otherwise.”
In closing, Chiejina reaffirmed Dangote Refinery’s commitment to stabilising Nigeria’s fuel supply, ensuring product quality, and promoting economic self-reliance. “Our focus is to make Nigeria energy-secure and industrially strong,” he said. “That is the vision driving everything we do.”
