By Charles Pemu 
The Dangote Group has moved to allay fears of a significant rise in fuel prices following the Federal Government’s approval of a 15 per cent import tariff on petrol and diesel.
Mr. Anthony Chiejina, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Dangote Group, stated in an interview on Sunday that the new tariff, signed off by President Bola Tinubu, is designed to curb dumping and protect local industry, not to create a monopoly or punish consumers.
“This 15 per cent tariff is about preventing dumping, not about high pricing,” Chiejina asserted on ARISE News. He gave a firm assurance to Nigerians, stating: “I can assure you that our price will remain stable between now and the end of the year. If at all it changes, it will come lower than what people expect.”
He dismissed public criticism of the policy as “misplaced populism,” arguing that the tariff is consistent with global best practices adopted by every responsible government to safeguard domestic industries.
“No nation advocates dumping. Dumping is not good for business it destroys industrialisation, creates poverty, and eliminates jobs,” he explained.
Chiejina heaped praise on President Tinubu’s leadership, describing the policy as “tactical and focused.” He commented that the President acts only “after due thought and analysis,” likening him to a “heavyweight boxer who lands precise blows that leave opponents technically knocked out.”
Responding to concerns that the policy aims to stifle competition for the Dangote Refinery, Chiejina insisted the company welcomes new investors, noting that fifteen refinery licenses have already been issued.
“Competition is good for everybody… The problem is that many of these people are rent seekers who prefer cheap money instead of investing. The days of easy profits are gone,” he stated.
He further criticized those claiming the Dangote Refinery has “captured the Nigerian state,” labelling them “alarmists” who spread falsehoods while secretly seeking favour.
The Communications Chief defended the policy against claims it would worsen economic hardship, arguing that many fuel importers are more concerned with flooding the market with substandard products.
He highlighted that Africa spends approximately $20 billion annually importing fuel, making Nigeria and the continent a “dumping ground for global traders.” The new tariff, he concluded, is a necessary measure to end this practice and ensure product quality.
Chiejina reaffirmed that the refinery remains committed to stabilising Nigeria’s fuel supply and supporting the nation’s journey toward economic self-reliance.