By Ayomide Otitoju
President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has called on African governments to implement protectionist policies for local manufacturers, warning against the continent becoming a dumping ground for low-grade petroleum products.
Speaking at the West African Refined Fuel Conference in Abuja, Dangote criticized the importation of substandard fuel from abroad—particularly discounted Russian-blended products. He said such imports not only undercut African refiners but also pose health and environmental risks.
“Africa produces crude but imports over 120 million tonnes of refined petroleum annually—exporting jobs and importing poverty,” he said. Dangote estimated the lost value at $90 billion a year, a figure greater than the GDP of most African nations.
He urged regional governments to prioritize domestic refining capacity and regulate fuel quality standards to stimulate local economies and safeguard public health.
