The Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) has called for unity and cooperation among stakeholders in the downstream oil and gas sector, urging the Dangote Refinery and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) to set aside rivalry in the interest of Nigeria.
The association which made the call in a press statement signed by its Chairman, Mr. Momoh Oyarekhua, stated that these exchanges, which have played out in the media, have sparked intensive debates that risk polarising the industry at a time when national interest demands collective focus.
The current tension between the Dangote Refinery and DAPPMAN follows disagreements over pricing, supply arrangements, and market structure. DAPPMAN has raised concerns about product availability and competitive practices, while the Dangote Refinery insists that domestic refining must be allowed to stabilize without undue pressure.
It stated: “CORAN notes with concern the ongoing bickering between the Dangote Refinery and DAPPMAN. While disagreements are expected in a competitive market, the current rift risks distracting the nation from a more urgent reality: Nigeria is on the cusp of a refining revolution that must not be stifled by primordial sentiments or vested interests.
“For decades, Nigeria endured the paradox of being Africa’s leading crude oil producer yet importing most of its refined petroleum products. This dependence drained scarce foreign exchange, enriched foreign refiners, and entrenched middlemen structures.
“Today, with the commissioning of large-scale projects like the Dangote Refinery alongside several modular refineries across the country, the dream of domestic refining dominance is no longer distant — it is within reach.
“This moment represents the foundation of a new economic windfall for Nigeria. It is, however, important for stakeholders, especially DAPPMAN members and tank farm operators, to recognise the fundamental changes in the energy value chain.
“The rise of domestic refining poses an inherent threat to the old import-dependent business model that sustained depots and bulk marketers for decades. But rather than see this as extinction, CORAN urges tank farm owners and marketers to embrace collaboration with local refineries to ensure their continued relevance in the new era,” the group stated.
CORAN stated that refineries, whether mega facilities or modular plants, cannot thrive in isolation, but require efficient product evacuation, storage, and retail distribution.
“This is where DAPPMAN members remain critical. By repositioning themselves as partners — handling logistics, regional distribution, storage, and last-mile delivery — tank farm operators can reinvent their businesses to align with domestic refineries,” it said.
