Dangote Refinery: No to Hypocrisy and Monopolistic Advantage – Otunba Babatunde Olushola Senbanjo

By Otunba Babatunde Olushola Senbanjo (BOS)

It is deeply troubling to see the level of hypocrisy and selective outrage currently playing out in Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas sector. At a time when Nigerians are suffering unprecedented hardship due to fuel scarcity and high prices, certain powerful individuals are quick to point fingers and accuse others of corruption, while refusing to subject their own activities to the same level of scrutiny.

Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and the owner of the Dangote Refinery, has repeatedly made public statements indirectly or directly blaming figures like Farouk Ahmed and government agencies for inefficiencies and corruption in the petroleum sector. While corruption in Nigeria is a real and long-standing problem that must be addressed honestly, it is unacceptable for anyone to present themselves as a saint or saviour when serious questions remain unanswered about their own capacity, commitments, and operations.

The Dangote Refinery was celebrated as the solution to Nigeria’s fuel crisis. Nigerians were told it would end fuel importation, stabilise prices, create jobs, and meet local demand. Years later, Nigerians are still importing fuel, prices are skyrocketing, and supply remains unstable. If the refinery is fully operational as claimed, why is it still unable to meet Nigeria’s domestic fuel demand? If it is not fully operational, why has the public been misled with grand announcements and promises?

This is not about attacking any individual or business out of envy or politics. This is about accountability. You cannot accuse others of corruption while operating behind closed doors, enjoying monopolistic advantages, and benefiting massively from government policies, waivers, and protections without full transparency. Nigerians deserve to know the truth:

What is the actual daily refining capacity currently being utilised?

How much fuel is being supplied to the Nigerian market versus exported?

What pricing model is being used, and who truly benefits from it?

Are government agencies being strong-armed or influenced by corporate interests?

If Farouk Ahmed or any public official is corrupt, then by all means, let the law take its full course. But the same standard must apply to everyone, no matter how wealthy or influential. No individual or corporation should be above scrutiny simply because they are labelled “investors” or “nation builders.”

This is why the EFCC and ICPC must step in not selectively, not politically, but comprehensively. They should investigate the entire fuel supply chain, including refinery operations, import licenses, subsidy-era deals, pricing structures, and regulatory decisions. Nigerians are tired of half-truths, media propaganda, and corporate storytelling that do not reflect reality on the streets.

The suffering Nigerian is not interested in ego battles between billionaires and bureaucrats. What Nigerians want is affordable fuel, a stable supply, honest leadership, and transparency. Anyone who truly means well for this country should welcome investigation, not resist it or deflect blame.

Let the truth be made public. Let facts replace noise. Let accountability replace arrogance. Nigeria belongs to all of us, not to a privileged few who think wealth grants immunity from questions.

Enough is enough.