The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has raised concerns over restrictive trade practices and pricing opacity in its dealings with the Dangote Refinery, warning that such challenges could undermine operational efficiency and fair competition in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
Speaking at the West African Refined Products Pricing and Markets Development Conference in Abuja on Wednesday, DAPPMAN Executive Secretary, Olufemi Adewole, expressed the association’s frustrations, stating that its members—who operate 32 of Nigeria’s 120 depots—remain willing to engage the refinery but are effectively shut out.
“Since the advent of Dangote Refinery, it has not been smooth sailing at all,” Adewole said. “We had preliminary meetings with the management of Dangote Refinery. We had promises and assurances that we will be accommodated. We are ready and up till now we’re still ready and willing to patronise Dangote. But the issue is, is Dangote ready to give us a product we want?”
According to Adewole, DAPPMAN members registered with the refinery but encountered what he described as a “restrictive sales method,” where prices are only disclosed after a proforma invoice is issued.
This practice, the association argues, limits transparency and creates hurdles for depot operators trying to plan procurement and distribution. DAPPMAN is now calling for clearer engagement terms and more inclusive market practices to ensure that all stakeholders in the petroleum supply chain benefit from the refinery’s operations.
