Dangote Petroleum Refinery has responded to Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited’s CEO Robert Dickerman’s remarks on deregulation and the importation of petroleum products, stressing that deregulation should not justify the importation of substandard products or undermine Nigeria’s national interests. Dangote emphasized that its support for deregulation is aligned with sustainable industrial growth and the protection of Nigerian citizens from exploitation, reaffirming its commitment to the country’s economic and energy sector development.
The refinery expressed strong disapproval of Dickerman’s request to extend a pipeline to Pinnacle’s tank farms for blending imported products with Dangote’s high-quality refined products. Dangote rejected this proposal, accusing Pinnacle of trying to exploit Nigeria’s energy market for profit at the expense of public health and safety. Dangote also raised concerns over Pinnacle’s lease of tank farms without retail outlets in Nigeria, suspecting a strategy to undermine the local refining sector.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery called on the government and local businesses to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and economic independence, urging an end to the cycle of relying on imported petroleum products. The company highlighted its ongoing efforts to establish Nigeria as a self-reliant refining hub, stressing the importance of protecting local industries and ensuring the well-being of the Nigerian people.