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Fuel war brews as Dangote presses Tinubu to ban imports

Published

8 months ago

July 28, 2025

•IPMAN, PETROAN push back, warn against monopoly, Dangote insists on ‘Nigeria First’ policy

The President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has asked President Bola Tinubu to include refined petroleum products in the list of items banned under the ‘Nigeria First’ policy of the Federal Government. But this was unanimously rejected by oil marketers and some industry analysts on Sunday.

The ’Nigeria First’ policy seeks to ban government agencies from importing goods that can be produced within Nigeria. In May, Tinubu barred government agencies from importing goods or services that are available locally.

The policy stated that no procurement of foreign goods or services already available in Nigeria shall proceed without justification and a Bureau of Public Procurement waiver.

Speaking at the just concluded Global Commodity Insights Conference on West African Refined Fuel Markets hosted by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority in partnership with S&P Global Insights, Dangote requested in clear terms that petrol, diesel, and other refined petroleum products be added to the items banned by the policy.

According to him, the importation of fuel into Nigeria is killing local refining and discouraging further investments in the sector and even the economy. To remain viable, he urged governments across Africa to take deliberate steps as the United States, Canada, and the European Union have done to protect domestic producers from what he called unfair competition.

Dangote did not mince words when he said that the Nigeria First policy announced by Tinubu should apply to the petroleum products sector. “The Nigeria First policy announced by His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, should apply to the petroleum product sector and all other sectors,” he stated.

This request by Dangote seeks to place a ban on the importation of petrol, diesel, and other products being produced locally. He argued that local refiners were finding it difficult to sell their products because of what he called dumping. The billionaire businessman alleged that importers were dumping toxic fuel that would never be allowed in Europe.

“And to make matters worse, we are now facing increased dumping of cheap, often toxic petroleum products, some of which are blended to substandard levels that would never be allowed in Europe or North America,” he said.

Dangote mentioned that some of the importers bring into Nigeria fuel or crude oil subsidised in Russia. This, he said, affects local pricing, forcing refiners to drop prices below their costs.

“Due to the price caps on the Russian petroleum products, discounted petroleum products produced in Russia or with discounted Russian crude find their way to Africa, severely undercutting our local production, which is based on full crude pricing. This has created an unlevel playing field in most African countries. Petrol and diesel are sold for about a dollar net of taxes.

“In Nigeria, due to this unfair competition, this price is just about 60 cents, even cheaper than Saudi Arabia, which produces and refines its own oil. This is due to the fact that we are having too much dumping. To remain viable, we urge the governments across Africa to take deliberate steps as the United States, Canada, and the European Union have done to protect domestic producers from unfair competition,” he stated.

The richest man in Africa said this was not to monopolise the sector but to produce local investments. He noted that those who have the resources to invest in Nigeria keep taking their resources outside the country while they criticise local investors.

“Let me take this opportunity to address concerns around monopoly and dominance. The reality is that too many people who have the means and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our nation’s growth choose instead to criticise from the sidelines while investing their wealth abroad,” Dangote said.

To prove that his $20bn refinery can satisfy local fuel needs, Dangote disclosed that Nigeria has become a net exporter of petroleum products, having exported approximately 1.35 billion litres of petrol to other countries worldwide in 50 days.

According to Dangote, between June and July 2025, the refinery exported up to 1 million tonnes of petrol, which is approximately 1.35 billion litres when converted.

“Today, Nigeria has actually become a net exporter of refined products. Before I came on the podium, I asked my people how many tonnes of PMS we have actually exported. From June beginning to date, we have exported about 1 million tonnes of PMS, within the last 50 days,” he said.

Marketers tackle Dangote

However, marketers disagreed with Dangote, urging the Federal Government not to consider adding petroleum products to the list of items banned from importation.

Speaking with our correspondent on Sunday, the National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, said independent marketers would not support that idea as it would spell doom for the sector.

“We independent marketers will depart from that request. If the government does that, that means we will not be able to check inflation and monopoly, since it is the only refinery operating in the country now. We should continue to import even as we buy locally.

“I heard that the NMDPRA stated clearly that Dangote cannot produce all the fuel that the country needs. We will appreciate it if the country allows importation to continue since we are not paying subsidy,” Ukadike said.

Reacting to Dangote’s claim that importation would kill businesses and local refineries, Ukadike differed. “Importation won’t kill local businesses or refineries; it will strengthen them. It will ensure local refineries step up their game. I don’t agree with Dangote on this,” he said.

Also, the National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gillis-Harry, kicked against the call to ban fuel Importation. He said no one company should be allowed to dominate the downstream sector in a free economy.

While admitting that there is a need to ban the importation of some goods, he said these should not include fuel, stressing that Nigeria needs multiple sources of energy. “I don’t agree with Dangote. We are running a free economy. There’s no reason why any one company should have an overarching value on the entire industry.

“Importation is not killing the economy. Importation is stabilising the sources of petroleum products. Importation of all products is useful. However, those that can be produced in Nigeria, like toothpicks, garri, egusi soup, cassava, and others like that, should be banned.

“But importation of refined petroleum products should not be banned because it helps to ensure that there are multiple sources of energy and replenishment,” Gillis-Harry stated.

Expert reacts

An energy expert at the University of Lagos, Professor Dayo Ayoade, also warned against banning fuel Importation, saying this would promote monopolistic tendencies.

“No, we cannot have a ban on petroleum imports. It’s not a legal ban. That would not be acceptable because we don’t have diverse sources for petroleum products. We can’t rely solely on the Dangote refineries. That would give a monopoly to a private individual.

“And for the reasons of energy security and national security, that would be completely unacceptable. The government should continue to encourage, liberalise, and ensure other refineries come upstream. NNPC may want to privatise or sell off its refineries, then that’s fine. But we need to have a better base of product market before we now start to say we want to ban imports,” he said.

He queried what the local and international laws say about banning products.

“And you know, when we talk about bans, we have to look at international trade. International trade law does not really sit well with banning things. So, we have to be clever about how we do it. But if the market is ripe, it will be more expensive to bring in things from other countries than our own products, provided they are of sufficient quantity and the quality is fine,” the don submitted.

More refineries

During the NMDPRA conference, Dangote called on the regulator to encourage building more refineries. He charged the agency to withdraw dormant refinery licences from those holding on to them.

The IPMAN spokesman supported Dangote on this, saying, “On that side, I agree with him. You can’t obtain a licence to build a refinery and use it to decorate your house. The nation needs more refineries to do more exports.”

Dangote has repeatedly stated that his refinery has more than enough fuel to satisfy local fuel needs, wondering why some marketers insist on “sabotaging” his investment with importation. He disclosed recently that the refinery would produce hit 700,000 barrels per day capacity in December, an update from the current 650,000 BPD capacity.

On Friday, Dangote announced his retirement as a Director and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dangote Cement. According to a statement Friday by the Group Chief Branding & Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, Dangote is relinquishing his position as chairman and retiring from the board to focus more attention on the $20bn refinery, petrochemicals, fertiliser, and government relations.

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Bank recapitalisation: Local investors provide 72% of N4.6tn

Published

4 hours ago

April 2, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Wednesday said domestic investors accounted for the bulk of funds raised under its banking sector recapitalisation programme, contributing 72.55 per cent of the N4.65tn total capital secured by lenders.

The apex bank disclosed this in a statement marking the conclusion of the exercise, which began in March 2024 and saw 33 banks meet the new minimum capital requirements.

The statement was jointly signed by the Director of Banking Supervision, Olubukola Akinwunmi, and the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali.

According to the CBN, Nigerian investors provided about N3.37tn of the total capital raised, underscoring strong domestic confidence in the banking sector, while foreign investors accounted for the remaining 27.45 per cent.

“Over the 24-month period, Nigerian banks raised a total of N4.65tn in new capital, strengthening the resilience of the financial system and enhancing its capacity to support the economy,” the statement said.

Commenting on the outcome, the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, said, “The recapitalisation programme has strengthened the capital base of Nigerian banks, reinforcing the resilience of the financial system and ensuring it is well-positioned to support economic growth and withstand domestic and external shocks.”

The bank confirmed that 33 lenders had met the revised capital thresholds, while a few others were still undergoing regulatory and judicial processes.

“The CBN confirms that 33 banks have met the revised minimum capital requirements established under the programme,” it stated.

“A limited number of institutions remain subject to ongoing regulatory and judicial processes, which are being addressed through established supervisory and legal frameworks.

“All banks remain fully operational, ensuring continued access to banking services for customers.”

The regulator stressed that the recapitalisation exercise was completed without disrupting banking operations nationwide, noting that key prudential indicators, particularly capital adequacy ratios, had improved and remained above global Basel benchmarks.

Minimum capital adequacy ratios were pegged at 10 per cent for regional and national banks and 15 per cent for banks with international licences.

The CBN added that the exercise coincided with a gradual exit from regulatory forbearance, a move it said improved asset quality, strengthened balance sheet transparency, and enhanced overall system stability.

To sustain the gains, the apex bank said it had strengthened its risk-based supervision framework, including periodic stress tests and requirements for adequate capital buffers.

It added that supervisory and prudential guidelines would be reviewed regularly to improve governance, risk management, and resilience across the sector.

“The successful completion of the programme establishes a stronger and more resilient banking system, better positioned to support lending, mobilise savings, and withstand domestic and global shocks,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that foreign capital inflows into the banking sector rose by 93.25 per cent year-on-year to $13.53bn in 2025 from $7.00bn in 2024, reflecting strong investor interest during the recapitalisation drive.

However, the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise has cautioned that despite the strengthened banking system, credit to small businesses remains weak, warning that the benefits of the reforms are yet to fully impact the real economy.

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Business

Court freezes N448m assets in Keystone Bank debt recovery suit

Published

1 day ago

April 1, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the freezing of funds and assets valued at N448,263,172.41 in a debt recovery suit instituted by Keystone Bank Limited against five defendants.

The order was made on March 26, 2026, by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke following an ex parte application moved by Keystone Bank’s counsel Mofesomo Tayo-Oyetibo (SAN), against Relic Resources, Olufunmilayo Emmanuella Alabi, Uwadiale Donald Agenmonmen, The Magnificent Multi Services Limited, and Raedial Farms Limited.

In his ruling, Justice Aneke granted a Mareva injunction restraining the defendants, whether by themselves, their agents, privies, or assigns, from withdrawing, transferring, dissipating, or otherwise dealing with funds, shares, dividends, and other financial instruments standing to their credit in any bank or financial institution in Nigeria, up to the sum in dispute.

The court further directed all banks and financial institutions within the jurisdiction to forthwith preserve any funds belonging to the defendants upon being served with the order.

The said institutions were also ordered to depose to affidavits within seven days of service, disclosing the balances in all accounts maintained by the defendants, together with the relevant statements of account.

In addition, the court granted a preservative order restraining the defendants from disposing of, alienating, or otherwise encumbering any movable or immovable property, including any future or contingent interests, up to the value of the alleged indebtedness.

The court also granted leave for substituted service of the originating and other court processes on the second and third defendants by courier delivery to their last known addresses.

The matter was adjourned to April 9, 2026, for mention.

According to the originating processes before the court, the suit arises from a N500 million overdraft facility granted by the claimant to the first defendant on March 28, 2023, for a tenure of 365 days at an interest rate of 32 per cent per annum.

The claimant averred that the facility, initially secured by a $200,000 cash collateral and subsequently by a mortgaged property located at Itunu City, Epe, Lagos, expired on March 27, 2024, leaving an outstanding indebtedness of N448,263,172.41 as at October 31, 2024.

In the affidavit in support of the application, the claimant alleged that the facility was diverted for personal use by the third defendant and channelled through the fourth and fifth defendant companies.

It further contended that the first defendant is no longer a going concern and has failed, refused, and neglected to liquidate the outstanding indebtedness despite several demands made between May and October 2025.

The claimant also expressed apprehension that the defendants may dissipate or conceal their assets, thereby rendering nugatory any judgment that may be obtained in the suit, and consequently urged the court to grant the reliefs sought in the interest of justice.

After considering the application and submissions of learned silk, Justice Aneke granted all the reliefs sought and adjourned the matter to April 9, 2026, for further proceedings.

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Business

Sanwo-Olu unveils Lagos 2026 economic blueprint, vows inclusive growth

Published

1 day ago

April 1, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday unveiled the 2026 edition of the Lagos Economic Development Update, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to driving inclusive growth and ensuring that economic progress translates into tangible benefits for all residents of the state.

The unveiling of this year’s outlook, held in Ikeja, provides an in-depth analysis of the state’s economic trajectory, capturing global, national, and local developments shaping Lagos’ growth outlook.

Represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, the governor described the report as more than a policy document, noting that it serves as a strategic compass for guiding economic direction and strengthening decision-making.

He added that despite global economic headwinds — including post-pandemic recovery challenges, inflationary pressures, and exchange rate fluctuations — the state has remained resilient through deliberate policies, fiscal discipline, and sustained investment in critical infrastructure.

“It is with a deep sense of responsibility and optimism that I join you today to officially launch the third edition of the Lagos Economic Development Update — LEDU 2026.

“This platform has evolved beyond a mere policy document; it has become a compass guiding our economic direction, shaping decisions, and reinforcing our commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Lagos,” he said.

He noted that while the global economic environment has remained unpredictable, Lagos has stayed on course through “clarity, discipline, and foresight,” anchored on the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda.

According to him, the state had strengthened its fiscal framework, improved revenue generation, and invested in infrastructure critical to long-term growth.

Sanwo-Olu further highlighted progress recorded since the inception of LEDU, including the expansion of the state’s economic base driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, and digitalisation; improved efficiency in revenue systems; and sustained infrastructure development spanning roads, ports, energy, and urban planning.

He added that continued investment in human capital remains central, as “people are the true engine of growth.”

Speaking on the theme of this year’s report, “Consolidating Resilience, Advancing Competitiveness, Delivering Shared Prosperity,” the governor said it reflects Lagos’ current economic priorities.

He explained that consolidating resilience involves strengthening institutions and fiscal discipline, while advancing competitiveness requires boosting productivity, innovation, and investment.

Delivering shared prosperity, he added, means ensuring growth translates into jobs, expanded opportunities, and improved livelihoods for residents.

Looking ahead, he reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to economic diversification, private sector-led growth, data-driven governance, sustainable urban development, and social inclusion.

He also stressed the importance of partnerships with the private sector, development institutions, civil society, and the international community in achieving the state’s development goals.

“As we launch this edition of LEDU, I urge all stakeholders to engage actively, strengthen collaboration, and align with our shared vision.

“We have built resilience; now we must translate it into sustained competitiveness and ensure that growth delivers tangible prosperity for every Lagosian,” he said.

Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Ope George, said Lagos has demonstrated remarkable resilience in navigating both global and domestic economic challenges.

“Lagos is not just responding to economic shocks — we are building systems that make us stronger because of them,” he said, noting that deliberate policies, disciplined fiscal management, and strategic investments have reinforced the state’s position as a leading subnational economy in Africa.

He added that the state would continue to prioritise economic diversification, private sector growth, sustainable urban development, and social inclusion, stressing that growth must be measured not only by numbers but also by its impact on people’s lives.

In his goodwill message, Chief Consultant at B. Adedipe Associates Limited, Biodun Adedipe, described the LEDU initiative as a credible framework for tracking economic performance and refining development strategies.

He noted that Lagos remains central to Nigeria’s economy, adding that its continued growth signals broader national progress.

“If Lagos works, a significant share of Nigeria’s commerce works,” he said, expressing optimism about the state’s economic future.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Tayo Adeloju, urged the state government to prioritise affordable housing as a critical driver of shared prosperity.

He noted that high housing costs could limit upward mobility for low-income earners, stressing that making housing more accessible would enhance living standards and support inclusive growth.

Adeloju added that sustained fiscal discipline, improved service delivery, and a broader productive base would further strengthen Lagos’ position among Africa’s leading megacity economies.

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