Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, has raised concerns about the quality of petrol being imported into Nigeria. Speaking at a recent event, Dangote asserted that substandard fuel products are to blame for the damage suffered by many vehicles across the country. He remains firm on his stance despite ongoing disagreements with regulatory bodies over his private refinery’s operations.

According to Dangote, these poor-quality fuels are not only damaging cars but also causing widespread frustration among drivers. His comments underline a critical issue in Nigeria’s fuel industry, where the quality of imported petrol has come under scrutiny.

He said,

‘’Most of you had or are still having problems with your vehicles. It is because of the bad fuel being imported into the country. I still stand by what I said. I still stand by what I said. Go to filling stations, pick up and check the quality. That is the only way. 

It is not all this one that somebody will bring in a ship and say this is the quality, bringing fake certificate.”

‘’Some of the terminals, NNPC people and traders have opened a blending plant somewhere off Malta. We all know these areas. We know what they are doing, is not that we don’t know.”

‘’I have been fighting all my life and then somebody will now say ‘Mr Dangote, I heard that some people came to your hotel to ask for your name and you don’t know who they are and I said ‘Yes they did. Look, I am a very fearless person and I believe so much in God. I do not fear anybody. They can do all that they want. I am not scared. I will fight head-on.’’

Dangote’s remarks come amid his ongoing conflicts with regulators, but he remains steadfast in his belief that addressing the problem of substandard fuel is essential for protecting vehicle owners and improving the overall quality of petrol in Nigeria.