CORAN Urges Calm in Dangote, DAPPMAN Face-off

The Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) has waded into the ongoing face-off between the Dangote Refinery and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), calling for dialogue and collaboration in the interest of the nation’s refining future.

The association, in a statement issued and signed by its Chairman, Mr. Momoh Oyarekhua, urged both sides to put aside rivalry, warning that the disagreement could jeopardise the historic opportunity Nigeria has to finally achieve energy self-sufficiency.

The statement said the dispute which has dominated industry discussions in recent weeks, revolves around pricing, supply arrangements, and market structure.

It further explained that while DAPPMAN—representing depot owners and petroleum marketers has raised concerns over product availability and competitive practices, the Dangote Refinery insists that domestic refining must be allowed to stabilise without undue interference.

CORAN described the public exchanges as a distraction at a time when the country is “on the cusp of a refining revolution.”

According to Oyarekhua, “For decades, Nigeria endured the paradox of being Africa’s leading crude oil producer while importing most of its refined petroleum products. This drained scarce foreign exchange, enriched foreign refiners, and entrenched middlemen. Today, with the Dangote Refinery and several modular plants in operation, the dream of domestic refining dominance is within reach. This moment must not be lost to rivalry.”

He noted that the rise of local refining represents a shift in the country’s energy value chain, one that challenges the import-dependent model which had sustained depots and bulk marketers for decades.

Rather than see it as a threat, Oyarekhua urged marketers and tank farm operators to reposition as partners in logistics, distribution, and storage.

“Refineries cannot thrive in isolation. They need marketers for evacuation and last-mile delivery. Likewise, marketers need domestic supply to stay relevant. By working together, both sides can stabilise prices, create jobs and ensure affordable energy for Nigerians,” Oyarekhua said.

It remarked that CORAN acknowledged the roles both groups have played in keeping the nation’s energy sector afloat—DAPPMAN by ensuring supply during decades of import dependence, and Dangote Refinery and modular refiners by spearheading the push for self-sufficiency.

Continuing, Oyarekhua said: “What Nigeria cannot afford is for vested interests to derail the refining renaissance. The path forward is collaboration, not confrontation. Refineries need marketers, and marketers need refineries. This synergy will drive efficiency and strengthen our economy.”

He warned that continued bickering could polarise the sector and suffocate the gains of domestic refining before they mature.

“This is not the time for rivalry but for reinvention,” he said. “If we work together, Nigeria will reduce forex pressure, stabilise pump prices and unlock new economic opportunities. But if we allow conflict to fester, the chance for transformation may slip away.”

CORAN reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue across the downstream sector, stressing that national interest must take precedence over short-term advantage.

“The refining renaissance is too important to be compromised. Nigeria cannot afford to miss this opportunity,” the association added.