NNPC Dependence on Dangote Refinery Raises Concerns, Says Falana
Senior lawyer and human rights advocate Femi Falana has warned that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is now entirely dependent on the Dangote Refinery for the supply of refined petroleum products in Nigeria. Falana expressed concern that overreliance on a single private facility could compromise the country’s energy security and make it vulnerable to operational disruptions.
Speaking in a recent interview, Falana noted that the Dangote Refinery, located in Lagos, has become a major supplier of petrol, diesel, and other refined products, effectively replacing the nation’s long-troubled public refineries. “The NNPC now depends solely on Dangote Refinery,” he stated. “While the refinery is a remarkable achievement, relying on one facility for the country’s energy needs is risky and unsustainable.”
Falana highlighted that Nigeria’s state-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna have historically underperformed due to neglect, poor maintenance, and inefficiency. He argued that this failure has created a situation where private operators, particularly Dangote Refinery, are filling the supply gap, leaving the nation vulnerable if the facility faces operational challenges.
The Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest single-train refinery, has a processing capacity of over 650,000 barrels per day. Since its commissioning, it has significantly increased Nigeria’s domestic production of refined products, reducing fuel imports and easing shortages in local markets. Analysts say this has been a game-changer for the Nigerian petroleum sector, but it has also highlighted the structural weaknesses of the NNPC’s own operations.
Falana emphasized that depending on a single private refinery exposes the country to potential risks. These include possible shutdowns for maintenance, operational accidents, or industrial disputes, any of which could disrupt the domestic fuel supply and create economic instability. He urged government authorities to invest in rehabilitating public refineries and creating a diversified supply system that does not hinge entirely on one facility.
He also called for stronger regulatory oversight to ensure that private refineries operate efficiently and fairly while contributing to national energy security. Falana warned that neglecting these measures could lead to price volatility, scarcity of fuel, and overdependence on a single operator, undermining Nigeria’s long-term energy goals.
The NNPC has reportedly begun partnering with private refineries to meet domestic demand while attempting to restore output at its public refineries. However, Falana’s remarks suggest that these efforts remain insufficient, and the corporation continues to rely heavily on Dangote Refinery for consistent fuel supply.
Experts say Falana’s warning is a reminder that Nigeria’s energy strategy must balance private sector efficiency with robust government oversight. While private refineries have proven capable of filling supply gaps, long-term energy security depends on modernizing state facilities, diversifying sources, and creating resilient distribution networks.
Industry stakeholders also note that the Dangote Refinery has eased the fuel crisis in Nigeria, but the country must avoid complacency. Investments in infrastructure, maintenance, and policy reforms are essential to ensure that the NNPC can operate independently and reduce systemic vulnerabilities.
Falana concluded by stressing that energy security is a national priority that requires proactive planning and investment. “Nigeria cannot afford to place all its hopes on a single private refinery,” he said. “A diversified and well-maintained refinery system is essential for sustainable growth and stability in our energy sector.”
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