Prominent Nigerian industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has issued a stark warning about the destructive influence of powerful cartels within the nation's oil and gas sector. Speaking at a press briefing held at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki, Lagos, on Sunday, December 14, 2025, the billionaire alleged that these groups are systematically undermining local refining efforts.
A Mafia More Powerful Than Drugs
Dangote described the entities working against Nigeria's domestic refining capacity as deeply embedded and highly organized. He made a startling comparison, stating that these oil sector cartels wield more influence and are more dangerous than conventional drug mafias. "That's why I tell you that drugs mafias are actually smaller than those in the oil and gas industry," Dangote asserted. He explained that while drug operations are often isolated, the oil sector corruption involves a wide network of complicit actors.
$82 Million in Stolen Equipment and Vandalism
The businessman provided concrete figures to illustrate the scale of the sabotage directed at his flagship project. He disclosed that the Dangote Refinery has suffered losses valued at approximately $82 million due to theft and vandalism of critical components. According to Dangote, the apparent goal of this criminal activity is to force the company to file massive insurance claims, which would subsequently lead to prohibitively high insurance premiums that could cripple operations.
In response to these persistent threats, the refinery has been compelled to implement extraordinary security measures. Dangote revealed that the facility now employs more security personnel than operational staff, a necessary but costly step to safeguard the multi-billion dollar investment.
Calling Out Regulators and a Broader Conspiracy
Dangote's accusations extended beyond unnamed criminal cartels. He directly criticized regulators, local fuel marketers, and international traders, alleging they are working in concert to frustrate Nigeria's refining ambitions. He argued that these groups benefit financially from the continued importation of petroleum products and therefore oppose successful local production.
The industrialist also called for an investigation into allegations involving the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed. This follows previous demands for a probe into claims about the funding of his children's education abroad.
Dangote contextualized this sabotage within the wider decay of Nigeria's petroleum infrastructure. He pointed to the collapsed national pipeline network and the abandonment of 22 product depots, which were originally designed for efficient distribution but now lie idle.
This is not the first time Dangote has raised such alarms. He recalled issuing similar warnings in June 2024 and again in September 2025 about coordinated efforts by foreign and domestic interests to undermine the refinery. He challenged operators of modular refineries across Nigeria to speak out about their own experiences with theft and vandalism, suggesting the problem is industry-wide.
Despite these challenges, the Dangote Refinery continues its market interventions. The company recently announced a new pump price regime for its partner filling stations ahead of the Christmas period, following an earlier reduction in the gantry price of petrol.
