End Rift, CORAN Urges Dangote Refinery and DAPPMAN

The Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) has appealed for calm in the ongoing dispute between the Dangote Refinery and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), warning that rivalry could derail Nigeria’s refining progress.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Thursday and signed by its Chairman, Momoh Oyarekhua, the association urged both sides to prioritise national interest over corporate rivalry.

The clash between the two industry giants stems from disagreements over pricing, product supply, and market structure. DAPPMAN has raised concerns about fair competition and supply arrangements, while Dangote Refinery insists that domestic refining should be allowed to stabilise without undue interference. CORAN expressed worry that the public exchanges have escalated tensions and risk polarising the downstream sector.

“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 vested interests,” the statement partly read.

Highlighting Nigeria’s history of fuel import dependence despite being a leading crude producer, CORAN noted that the commissioning of the Dangote Refinery and several modular refineries marks a turning point in the country’s energy sector.

“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. CORAN urges tank farm owners and marketers to embrace collaboration with local refineries to ensure their continued relevance in the new era,” it added.

The association stressed that marketers remain critical to refining success since refineries depend on efficient evacuation, storage, and retail distribution. It acknowledged DAPPMAN’s role in sustaining fuel supply during decades of import reliance, while noting that indigenous refiners and the Dangote plant now represent a strategic shift toward self-sufficiency and forex savings.

“At the same time, the Dangote Refinery and indigenous refiners represent a strategic shift toward reduced forex pressure, job creation, and energy security. Both sides have made sacrifices in the national interest; both deserve acknowledgement.

“What Nigeria cannot afford is for vested interests to derail the refining renaissance now unfolding. The path forward is clear: collaboration, not confrontation,” CORAN’s statement added.

The group further emphasised that synergy between refineries and marketers would stabilise prices and secure affordable energy for Nigerians. “Refineries need marketers, and marketers need domestic supply. Together, this synergy can drive efficiency, stabilise prices, and ensure energy access nationwide. CORAN therefore calls for dialogue, cooperation, and integration across the downstream value chain to ensure no stakeholder is left behind.

“Nigeria cannot afford to miss this historic opportunity. The refining sector must be nurtured as the engine of economic transformation—not suffocated on the altar of rivalry.”

Oyarekhua, in his remarks, reinforced the call for restraint and partnership, saying: “This is not the time for rivalry but for reinvention and collaboration. Refineries need marketers, and marketers need domestic supply. Our refining renaissance is too important to be derailed by division.

“If we work together, Nigeria will stabilise prices, reduce forex dependence, create jobs, and deliver affordable energy. But if we allow conflict to fester, we risk suffocating this opportunity before it fully blossoms.”

Meanwhile, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery on Thursday reaffirmed its position in the dispute with DAPPMAN, insisting that it would not absorb logistics costs that marketers are seeking to pass on as a subsidy.