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UK-Based Independent Investigators Clear Dangote Refinery of Importing Substandard Fuel

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7 months ago

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UK-Based Independent Investigators Clear Dangote Refinery of Importing Substandard Fuel

 

A United Kingdom–based energy watchdog, Impact Investigators Platform (IIP), has dismissed allegations that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery imported substandard petrol into Nigeria, describing the claims as “technically inaccurate, commercially implausible, and unsupported by verifiable evidence”.

In an investigative report signed on Friday by its lead investigator, Raymond Neil, the IIP said its independent assessment of shipping data, customs declarations, and refinery process documentation found no indication that the refinery imported or sold finished Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) with sulphur levels above Nigeria’s approved limit of 50 parts per million (ppm).

Neil said the IIP launched its own investigation after media reports claimed that a vessel had delivered high-sulphur petrol to the Dangote Refinery under the guise of locally refined products.

The investigator, however, noted that the cargo in question was an intermediate feedstock; a raw material commonly traded among refineries worldwide for further processing, not a finished fuel for retail.

“Our analysis confirms that the shipment being referenced was a blending component, not a finished petrol product,” Neil said.

“It was imported within the context of refinery optimisation and was never intended for direct distribution or public sale. The claim that Dangote Refinery imported dirty fuel into Nigeria is therefore misleading and inconsistent with both technical and commercial realities.”

He emphasized that global refinery complexes, including those in Europe and Asia, regularly import intermediate streams such as high-sulphur catalytic gasoline (HSCG) or straight-run naphtha to balance their production yields.

“This is normal industry practice and it does not in any way imply that substandard or harmful fuel is being sold to consumers,” the expert said.

According to the IIP report, the Dangote Refinery’s import documentation and regulatory clearances were consistent with the rules of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), which oversee feedstock imports and quality assurance.

The refinery, it said, also operates under a free trade zone licence, meaning that all materials brought in are subject to internal refining before entering the domestic fuel market.

Neil noted that his organisation’s review included a verification of laboratory test results, refinery capacity utilisation records, and inspection certificates filed with port authorities in both the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

He said none of the reviewed documents supported the claim that the refinery imported petrol ready for local consumption.

“The sulphur levels cited in the reports were associated with intermediate-grade gasoline used as a processing input, not finished fuel. To suggest otherwise is to misunderstand how refineries work. The Dangote complex is designed to upgrade such feedstocks into ultra-low-sulphur petrol through hydrodesulphurisation and other advanced refining processes,” Neil clarified.

He stressed that misreporting such technical details could erode public confidence in the refinery at a time when Nigeria is seeking to strengthen domestic refining capacity and reduce dependence on imported fuel.

“The Dangote project remains a strategic national asset. Public debate around it must be grounded in fact, not conjecture,” Neil said.

The IIP also urged Nigerian authorities to establish a rapid-response mechanism for verifying refinery operations and product quality claims to prevent misinformation from spreading unchecked.

“Transparency is key. But transparency also requires responsible reporting and technical understanding of what the data means,” Neil said.

The IIP report further commended the refinery for what it described as its “proactive compliance culture,” noting that its internal audit systems mirror the standards applied by the European Refining Association and the American Petroleum Institute.

“Our review shows that every product stream leaving the Dangote Refinery is accompanied by a certificate of quality issued by an ISO-certified laboratory,” Neil said.

“We also found evidence that these certificates are regularly submitted to NMDPRA before any local dispatch. This is the kind of governance structure that should be encouraged, not vilified.”

He concluded by reaffirming the group’s readiness to share its findings with relevant Nigerian institutions and civil society organisations to foster evidence-based discourse around the refinery’s operations.

“The energy transition requires accuracy, not alarmism. Our findings clear the Dangote Refinery of the claims of importing dirty fuel. What we found instead is a refinery engaged in legitimate global trade practice, subject to regulation, and committed to delivering cleaner fuels that meet international standards,” Neil said.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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ADVAN Wins Global Honour at WFA Awards for “Project Freedom” Initiative

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1 day ago

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April 25, 2026

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ADVAN Earns Global Recognition As WFA President’s Award Winner For “Project Freedom”

 

 

The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has been recognised on the global stage as a recipient of the prestigious WFA President’s Award, presented by the World Federation of Advertisers during its Global Marketer Week in Stockholm. The recognition places ADVAN among a select group of leading industry associations worldwide acknowledged for driving meaningful impact in marketing and society.

 

The WFA President’s Awards, established in 2010, celebrate national industry associations whose initiatives advance the marketer’s agenda and contribute to positive change. This year’s honours were awarded following a rigorous selection process involving 38 submissions from associations across the WFA’s global network, with winners chosen for their measurable impact and potential for replication across markets.

 

ADVAN’s recognition comes through its advocacy initiative, Project Freedom, a bold and strategic effort focused on addressing the challenges of stifling, non–data-driven regulations affecting businesses in Nigeria and across Africa. The initiative underscores the importance of evidence-based policymaking while championing the constitutional right to freedom of commerce.

 

Through Project Freedom, ADVAN has taken a proactive leadership role in engaging key stakeholders and shaping conversations around fair, balanced, and transparent regulation. The initiative reflects a shift toward constructive dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that regulatory frameworks support innovation, protect consumer interests, and enable sustainable business growth.

 

By earning this global recognition, ADVAN reinforces the growing influence of African marketing institutions in shaping international discourse. Its work highlights how local advocacy, when rooted in data and guided by clear principles, can deliver impact not just within national borders but across the global marketing ecosystem.

 

The award also affirms ADVAN’s commitment to strengthening self-regulation within the industry, fostering accountability, and promoting standards that align with global best practices while remaining relevant to local realities.

 

As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, ADVAN’s recognition by the World Federation of Advertisers signals a strong endorsement of its leadership and vision. It positions the association as a key voice in advancing responsible marketing, advocating for enabling policies, and ensuring that businesses can operate in an environment that supports both innovation and economic freedom.

 

ADVAN Wins Global Honour at WFA Awards for “Project Freedom” Initiative

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PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

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2 days ago

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April 24, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

*PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

 

To prevent any misunderstanding regarding our affiliation with the United Nations, we hereby provide a formal clarification on the status and identity of the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC), formerly known as IPGC.

 

UNIPGC is an independent Civil Society Organization and Non-Governmental Organization with continental chapters registered in the United States, Germany, Canada, and several countries across Africa. The organization is committed to promoting the values and principles of the United Nations, particularly in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as well as advocating for good governance globally.

 

In furtherance of its mandate, UNIPGC has established partnerships with reputable diplomatic civil society organizations, including the United Nations Association of Nigeria and the United Nations Association of Ghana. These collaborations are aimed at strengthening its engagement with initiatives aligned with United Nations ideals.

 

Additionally, UNIPGC has entered into diplomatic relations with the International Organization for Economic Development (IOED), an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), to enhance its capacity for international cooperation and diplomatic engagement.

PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

We wish to clearly state that UNIPGC is **not** an entity, agency, or organ of the United Nations.

 

Members of the public and media practitioners are respectfully advised to refer to the organization by its full and correct name: **United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC)**, and not as the United Nations.

 

Thank you.

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Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

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2 days ago

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April 24, 2026

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Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

 

 

 

Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”

 

Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.

 

The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.

 

This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.

 

Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:

 

“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”

 

As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.

 

With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.

 

⸻

 

About Laffmattazz

 

Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.

 

About First Bank of Nigeria Limited

 

First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.

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