Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery has resumed petrol sales in naira, reversing an earlier suspension after the intervention of the government’s Naira-for-Crude Technical Committee, which brokered a resolution between the refinery and regulators
The announcement follows a major internal restructuring that led to the dismissal of hundreds of Nigerian workers, sparking concerns about labour relations and management at one of Africa’s largest industrial projects.
So far, there has been no direct statement from the refinery’s billionaire owner, Aliko Dangote, who previously described the refinery as a “big risk” investment aimed at reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
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In a memo to fuel marketers on Saturday, the refinery said:
“Following the intervention of the Naira-for-Crude Technical Committee Chairman, we are pleased to inform you of the resumption of PMS sales in Naira commencing immediately. You may kindly proceed to place your orders in naira for both self-collection and free delivery of PMS to the earlier advised locations across the country.”
This marks a reversal of Friday’s notice, when the refinery announced the suspension of naira sales for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), effective September 28, 2025.
The refinery had explained it had exceeded its crude-for-naira allocation and could only continue sales in foreign exchange until resolved. Refunds for pending transactions were also offered.
With the committee’s intervention, naira transactions have been restored—a move expected to stabilise local supply arrangements and reassure marketers.
The development underscores the delicate balance between private operators and government policy in Africa’s largest economy as Nigeria seeks to strengthen domestic refining capacity while navigating foreign exchange pressures and labour tensions.
Image Credit: Business Insider Africa
