Dangote Fuel Sells Cheaper in Togo Than Nigeria, Falana Laments

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has raised concerns over what he described as the unfair disparity in fuel pricing between Nigeria and its neighboring countries, despite the location of the Dangote Refinery on Nigerian soil. Falana noted that while Nigerians currently buy fuel at an average price of ₦890 per litre, citizens in other West and Central African countries such as Togo, Ghana, Benin Republic, and Cameroon are paying much higher in their local currencies — but when converted, the figures reflect a troubling reality for Nigeria. According to the comparative prices, fuel sells at ₦1,835 per litre in Togo, ₦2,140 in Kenya, ₦1,875 in Benin Republic, ₦2,265 in Cameroon, and ₦1,995 in Ghana. Despite these high conversions, Falana lamented that Nigerians are still burdened with a system that keeps domestic prices relatively unstable, even though the refinery operates within the country. “It is a contradiction that the Dangote Refinery sells its products at a cheaper rate in Togo than in Nigeria. This is unacceptable. Nigerians should not be made to pay more while our neighbors benefit from lower pricing,” Falana declared. He accused relevant authorities of complicity in creating a pricing regime that favors external markets over Nigerians, insisting that the federal government must prioritize local consumption and ensure that Nigerians enjoy the direct benefits of having Africa’s largest refinery in their territory. Falana also dismissed suggestions that fuel marketers and import policies were solely responsible, arguing instead that regulatory lapses and deliberate profiteering were driving the disparity. The Senior Advocate warned that if unchecked, this situation could worsen economic hardship for Nigerians, particularly as the cost of transportation and essential goods remain tied to fuel prices.