By Chidimma Okwara,
The Dangote Refinery is at the center of a controversy following an investigative report alleging the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, with a sulfur content significantly exceeding Nigeria’s regulatory limit. The report, published by Sahara Reporters on October 9, 2025, claims that a shipment of 37,000 metric tonnes of petrol with a sulfur level of 690 parts per million (ppm) was imported from the United Kingdom, a figure that is nearly 14 times the Nigerian limit of 50 ppm.
According to the report, the vessel, identified as the MT Clearocean Marigold (erroneously referred to as MT Clearocean Mary in the initial report), discharged the cargo at the Dangote Refinery terminal. The publication further alleges that the fuel was supplied by the Phillips 66 Humber Refinery in the UK and presented a purported “Certificate of Quality” to support its claims.
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This development has ignited a firestorm of debate in a nation already grappling with issues of fuel quality and environmental pollution. High-sulfur fuels are a major contributor to air pollution and have been linked to various respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
The allegation comes amidst a complex and often contentious backdrop in the Nigerian petroleum industry. For months, the Dangote Group and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) have been engaged in a public dispute over the sulfur content of diesel produced at the new refinery. The Dangote Group has consistently maintained that its locally produced diesel is of a higher quality than imported alternatives and has accused some entities of importing “dirty fuel.” The NMDPRA, on the other hand, has in the past raised concerns about the sulfur levels in some of Dangote’s initial diesel production.
Vessel tracking data has confirmed the voyage of the MT Clearocean Marigold from Immingham, UK, to the Dangote Refinery terminal in Lekki, Nigeria, during the period in question.
As of the time of this report, the Dangote Group has not issued a direct official statement specifically addressing the allegation of importing high-sulfur petrol from the UK. Similarly, the NMDPRA and Phillips 66 have not publicly responded to the claims. The lack of official comment from the involved parties leaves the public with the Sahara Reporters’ allegations as the primary source of information on this specific matter.
The controversy also brings to the forefront the technical and economic aspects of fuel importation and refining in Nigeria. The imported product, described as “High-Sulphur Catalytic Gasoline (FCC Gasoline),” is a blending component. This raises questions about whether the intention was to further process and blend the product at the Dangote Refinery to meet Nigerian standards or if it was to be sold directly into the market.
The import tariffs and regulations for blending components versus finished petroleum products can differ, potentially offering economic incentives for importing and blending locally.
This incident has amplified calls for greater transparency and stricter enforcement of fuel quality standards in Nigeria. Environmental and civil society groups are closely watching the situation, urging the Nigerian government and its regulatory agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that all petroleum products sold in the country meet the stipulated health and environmental standards.
