The ongoing rivalry between Nigeria’s oil and gas giants, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Dangote Refinery, has taken a dramatic turn. A recent report by Nigeria Voice alleges that Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is behind a campaign to tarnish the reputation of NNPCL and its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari. This accusation comes amid a heated price war and conflicting claims about fuel quality and imports, further intensifying the tension between the two industry heavyweights.
The Allegations: A Media War?
According to the report, Dangote’s media team allegedly sponsored a story claiming that NNPCL imported over 200 million litres of petrol in February 2025, despite the refinery overhaul. The report suggests this was a deliberate attempt to smear NNPCL’s image.
However, petroleum marketers familiar with the situation have disputed the claim, stating that available data does not support the allegation of such a massive import within a short period. NNPCL’s spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, has yet to officially respond to the allegations, while Dangote Industries Limited’s spokesperson, Anthony Chijiena, has remained silent on the matter.
Fuel Quality and Price Wars
The rivalry between NNPCL and Dangote Refinery has also spilled over into fuel quality and pricing. A viral video by a reviewer claimed that petrol from an MRS Filling Station (partnered with Dangote Refinery) at Alapere, Lagos, sold for N925 per litre, while NNPCL petrol at Ojodu Berger was priced at N945.
In the video, the reviewer conducted a test using two power generators. The generator running on NNPCL fuel allegedly stopped after 17 minutes, while the one using Dangote petrol ran for 33 minutes. NNPCL has dismissed these claims as “baseless and unfounded,” but the video has fueled public debate about the quality of fuel supplied by both entities.
The Bigger Picture: Refinery Rivalry
The tension between NNPCL and Dangote Refinery has been brewing for some time. It intensified after NNPCL announced the commencement of operations at the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries last year. This move was seen as a direct challenge to Dangote Refinery, which has positioned itself as a key player in Nigeria’s quest for energy independence.
Adding to the competition is the ongoing price war. MRS Filling Stations, in partnership with Dangote Refinery, sell petrol at N945 per litre, while NNPCL petrol is priced at N965. This price difference has further fueled the rivalry, with both sides vying for dominance in the market.
Conclusion: A Battle for Supremacy
The allegations of a smear campaign, coupled with the fuel quality and price wars, highlight the intense competition between NNPCL and Dangote Refinery. As two of Nigeria’s most influential players in the oil and gas sector, their rivalry has far-reaching implications for the industry and the economy.
While the truth behind the allegations remains unclear, one thing is certain: the battle for supremacy in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector is far from over. As both sides continue to clash, the ultimate winners—or losers—will be the Nigerian consumers, who are caught in the crossfire of this high-stakes rivalry.
