(In Nigeria) Aliko Dangote Urges Tinubu to Ban Fuel Imports, Sparking Debate on Nigeria’s Energy Independence

 

Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, has ignited a nationwide debate in Nigeria after calling on President Bola Tinubu to ban the importation of refined petroleum products under the government’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy. Speaking at a global energy event in Abuja on July 27, 2025, the billionaire industrialist argued that such a ban would bolster local production, particularly from his $20 billion Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest. He emphasized that prioritizing Nigerian-made fuel would enhance energy independence, protect local industries, and shield consumers from substandard or overpriced imported fuel. 
Dangote praised Tinubu’s economic reforms, citing their potential to strengthen domestic industries.However, his proposal has met with mixed reactions. Oil marketers warned that halting imports could trigger fuel shortages, price hikes, and inflation, given Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported petroleum.
 Industry experts expressed concerns about supply disruptions and the risks of overdependence on a single refinery, despite its 650,000 barrels-per-day capacity. Posts on X reflect the polarized sentiment, with some Nigerians hailing Dangote’s push for self-sufficiency as a bold step toward economic sovereignty, while others fear it could exacerbate existing energy challenges. The debate underscores tensions between fostering local production and ensuring stable fuel supply, placing Tinubu’s administration at a critical juncture as it navigates economic reforms and energy policy.
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