DAPPMAN denies strike sponsorship, gives Dangote 7 days to prove allegations
The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has denied allegations by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery that it is sponsoring union workers to embark on strike, describing the claims as false, damaging, and misleading.
In a statement on Wednesday, DAPPMAN said it was necessary to correct “distortions” contained in Dangote’s 15 September press release, warning that such accusations risk undermining public trust and regulatory confidence in the downstream sector.
The association stressed it had not sponsored the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in its proposed industrial action, noting that labour unions and associations such as NUPENG, NARTO, MEMAN, IPMAN and DAPPMAN all operate independently.
READ ALSO: DAPPMAN slams Dangote over petrol price cuts, warns of market distortion
“Our role has been one of de-escalation, focused on averting disruption to fuel supply and national mobility,” the statement said.
On fuel pricing, DAPPMAN argued that recent pump price reductions were due to government reforms, a stronger naira, and lower crude prices, not Dangote’s activities. It also questioned why the refinery could export to the United States but push for restrictive measures at home.
The group dismissed as “misleading” claims that marketers re-import Dangote products from Togo, pointing out that Offshore Lome is a recognised West African trading hub. It accused the refinery of giving foreign traders discounts while limiting Nigerian marketers’ access to vessel loading, thereby creating arbitrage.
DAPPMAN also alleged that Dangote applied for waivers to distribute high-sulphur fuels in breach of the Petroleum Industry Act, and urged regulators to confirm supply volumes, which it said fall under the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
READ ALSO: Dangote refinery rolls out 4,000 CNG trucks, fights back against NUPENG’s ‘monopoly’ claims
Raising safety concerns, it criticised plans to deploy 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks without retraining drivers, citing the company’s history of fatal crashes. It called on regulators to conduct a safety audit before deployment.
Issuing a seven-day ultimatum, DAPPMAN warned Dangote to retract its allegations of product diversion or provide verifiable evidence, threatening legal action if it failed to comply.
The association reaffirmed its support for deregulation and open competition, saying it would resist any attempt to create a monopoly under the guise of patriotism.
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