Wahala – Dangote Refinery Faces Criticism Over Exports and Economic Impact
Nigerian activist Oreoluwa O. Olaleye, popularly known online as Custodian of Brutal, has stirred debate after raising concerns about the operations of the Dangote Refinery.
Citing Reuters reports, Olaleye noted that in March 2025, Dangote auctioned 128,000 metric tonnes of fuel oil for export — including 88,000 MT of low-sulphur fuel oil (LSFO) and 40,000 MT of slurry oil. He also pointed out that while the refinery’s gasoline unit was shut down for repairs in late August, exports of other petroleum products continued.
According to him, this reality contradicts the popular narrative that the refinery was “built for Nigeria.”
“Ask them why the dollars go abroad, the jobs go to foreigners, and the naira is thrown out the window,” he wrote.
Olaleye argued that what Nigeria needs is not a monopoly refinery but “refinery freedom” — the ability for multiple refineries to thrive and serve local demand.
“Until that happens, every liter you buy is a tithe to one man’s empire,” he added.
The remarks have reignited conversations about transparency, competition, and the broader impact of Africa’s largest refinery on Nigeria’s struggling economy.
