The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of Dangote Group, Chief Anthony Chiejina, has reassured Nigerians that fuel prices will remain stable despite the Federal Government’s recent approval of a 15 per cent import tariff on petrol and diesel.
Speaking on Arise News on Sunday, Chief Chiejina dismissed fears that the tariff, approved by President Bola Tinubu, was intended to give the Dangote Refinery an unfair advantage or increase pump prices for consumers.
“This 15 per cent tariff is about preventing dumping, not about high pricing.
“I can assure you that our price will remain stable between now and the end of the year. If at all it changes, it will come lower than what people expect, ” he said.
Chiejina also described widespread criticism of the policy as “misplaced populism,” stressing that the move aligned with global best practices to protect domestic industries.
“No nation advocates dumping. Dumping is not good for business—it destroys industrialisation, creates poverty, and eliminates jobs. Every responsible government must protect its industries,” he said.
Chiejina further praised President Tinubu for his strategic leadership, likening the president’s approach to that of a heavyweight boxer.
“President Tinubu is highly strategic. When he decides to act, it’s after due thought and analysis. He lands precise blows that leave opponents technically knocked out,” he said.
Addressing concerns about stifling competition, Chiejina said Dangote Group welcomes new investors, noting that the government has already issued several refinery licenses.
“Competition is good for everybody. Fifteen refinery licences have been granted. The sky is wide enough for every bird to fly.
”The problem is that many of these people are rent seekers who prefer cheap money instead of investing. The days of easy profits are gone,” he said.
Responding to allegations that the Dangote Refinery has “captured” the Nigerian state, Chiejina described the claims as misleading, calling critics “alarmists” and “the Nicodemus of our times.
“These people spread falsehood during the day and dine with power at night. It’s deception, and Nigerians must unmask them,” he said.
Chiejina also addressed fears that the new tariff could worsen hardship for citizens, arguing that importers are more interested in flooding Nigeria with substandard products than protecting consumers.
“Many of these importers bring in low-quality fuel. Africa spends about $20 billion annually importing fuel.
”Apart from South Africa and Dangote Refinery, no African country has a functional refinery. We have become a dumping ground for global traders. This policy seeks to end that,” he said.
On concerns about alleged punitive actions against unionised staff, Chiejina clarified that the redeployment of some workers within the Dangote Group was routine and not punitive.
“We are a large conglomerate with sugar, salt, fertiliser, and refinery operations.
”Staff transfers are normal. Even I, Anthony Chiejina, can be reassigned anywhere. It’s not punishment,” he said.
Chiejina reflected on Dangote Group’s growing influence across Africa, highlighting the company’s recent $2.5 billion fertiliser project in Ethiopia, which was personally invited by Ethiopian President Abiy Ahmed.
“When Aliko Dangote visits Ethiopia, it’s like a rock star arriving. People welcome him because they know his investments create jobs and opportunities.
”It’s ironic that in his home country, some still try to demonise him,” he noted.
Chiejina, however, weighed in on remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump alleging persecution of Christians in Nigeria, describing the issue as evolving.
“It’s too early to draw conclusions. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference has consistently spoken against insecurity affecting all Nigerians. What matters is that government must act to protect every life Christian or otherwise,” he said.
Chiejina reaffirmed Dangote Refinery’s commitment to stabilising Nigeria’s fuel supply, maintaining product quality, and supporting the nation’s economic self-reliance.
