The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has strongly rejected allegations by Dangote Petroleum Refinery accusing marketers of sabotaging operations and sponsoring industrial actions.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, DAPPMAN dismissed claims that it sponsored the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) strike, describing the allegations as “false, baseless, and misleading.”
According to the association, stakeholders in Nigeria’s downstream sector — including NUPENG, NARTO, PETROAN, MEMAN, IPMAN, and DAPPMAN — are independent bodies with distinct roles and decision-making structures.
“DAPPMAN does not control labour unions or other industry associations and has no business interfering in their decisions,” the group said.
“Our role has been one of de-escalation, focused on averting disruptions to fuel supply and national mobility.”
Market Pricing, Not Dangote-Driven
DAPPMAN insisted that the recent reduction in pump prices was driven by government reforms, a stronger naira, and falling global crude oil prices — not by the Dangote refinery.
“The naira’s appreciation to ₦1,500–₦1,550 per dollar, declining crude prices from $92 to $76 per barrel, and improved forex liquidity under President Bola Tinubu’s administration all contributed to the price drop,” the statement noted.
Allegations of Preferential Treatment
DAPPMAN accused Dangote Refinery of granting discounts of over $40 per metric tonne to foreign traders while limiting Nigerian marketers to gantry-only lifting and denying them access to coastal vessel loading.
“This restrictive practice creates the very arbitrage opportunities the refinery now criticizes,” the association said.
Safety Concerns Over 4,000 New CNG Trucks
DAPPMAN also raised alarm over Dangote’s plan to deploy 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks without adequate driver training and regulatory oversight, warning that such a move could worsen road safety risks.
“Adding thousands of trucks to Nigeria’s strained road network without proper training and safety audits will increase the likelihood of fatal accidents involving flammable petroleum products,” it warned.
The group called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and relevant agencies to conduct a comprehensive audit of Dangote’s transport operations before approving mass deployment.
Seven-Day Ultimatum
DAPPMAN gave the refinery seven days to provide verifiable evidence of product diversion or retract the allegation, warning that it may seek legal redress if its demands are ignored.
The association reiterated its support for deregulation, fair competition, and consumer choice, but said it would resist any attempt to monopolize Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
“This national infrastructure cannot depend on a single supply source or be replaced by a one-location refinery,” the group stated.
“Consumers deserve efficiency, safety, and choice. Monopoly disguised as patriotism is unacceptable.”
