Dangote Refinery is a game-changer, says energy expert Dan Kunle, who defends its local impact amid industry criticisms and warns against investor sabotage

Dangote Refinery has been described as a “game-changer” in Nigeria’s energy sector by energy analyst Dan Kunle, who strongly defended the $20 billion project against mounting criticism from industry unions and petroleum marketers.

Also read: Dangote Rolls Out CNG Fuel Trucks, Slashes Prices

Speaking on ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Kunle said the refinery has already achieved major milestones, including a full year of petrol production and the deployment of 10,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks for nationwide fuel distribution.

He argued that, while local marketers spent decades resisting domestic refining, Aliko Dangote invested in infrastructure that is now helping Nigeria move toward energy independence.

“Dangote has brought light from the heavens to the earth. Let there be light and there was light. The light has come now,” Kunle declared.

He said marketers had ample time to partner with government and buy state-owned refineries but chose instead to focus on importation for profit, leading to inflated fuel prices and chronic national dependency.

According to Kunle, the refinery’s location in a free trade zone enhances both domestic and international competitiveness, and accusations that it prioritises exports are nothing but ‘cheap blackmail’ from profit-driven detractors.

“They now see clearly that the day has broken from darkness,” Kunle said, in a powerful dismissal of industry critics.

He explained that the former import model added at least ₦75 per litre to fuel prices through shipping and logistics. By refining locally, Dangote is saving Nigerians money and ensuring pricing transparency, Kunle added.

Kunle also praised the 10,000 CNG-powered trucks, calling them a challenge to Nigeria’s infrastructure planning and a sign of private sector leadership.

“Dangote is building roads more than anybody in this country, except the federal government,” he said.

He urged the government to match the refinery’s innovation with better roads and logistics infrastructure, noting that failure to support such private investment could scare away future investors like Chinese-backed Duan.

His comments follow a public warning from Aliko Dangote, who last week accused entrenched players in the fuel import market of deliberately undermining the refinery. Speaking at the launch of the CNG trucks, Dangote said:

“The international traders and the local marketers all connive to suffocate any refinery.”

He warned that the resistance faced by the Dangote Refinery mirrors the collapse of Nigeria’s textile industry, which was once a major employer and industrial success.

Kunle concluded by saying the Dangote Refinery represents a national turning point, but only if supported by policy, infrastructure, and an environment free of sabotage.

Also read: Dangote Refinery Petrol Ends Nigeria’s Fuel Queues

“If this noise continues to distract Dangote Refinery and other investors, we will end up reinforcing Dangote as the only player—because we’ve scared away everyone else,” he warned.