The decision of Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, and owner of the only functional refinery in Nigeria, Dangote Refinery, to export its petrol to international refiners signaled a new beginning for the Dangote Group of Companies.

However, for Nigerians, who had put all their eggs in one basket, hoping that this refinery would bring an end to the persistent fuel crisis rocking Nigeria, this news brought nothing but heartbreak.

Before now, we (@iBrandtv.com) in an earlier publication had warned of this imminent possibility.

We wish we wouldn’t have to say it, but yes we told you so.

How did we know?

Lol, it’s simple. Okay, let’s do the maths together.

A disagreement between Dangote Refinery and Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) had left the entire country to face the deadly consequences of fuel scarcity.

Dangote Vs NNPC

While the NNPC accused the refinery of selling expensive petroleum products, the Africa’s richest man told Nigerians that he sells the cheapest product in the world and anything cheaper should be considered substandard.

Before anyone knew what was happening, vessels filled with petrol landed on the shores of Nigeria to be delivered to the NNPC.

That was when Dangote knew that the NNPC meant business.

He called on the Federal Government to ban the importation of petrol urging NNPC to lift the product from his Lagos refinery.

In fact, Dangote had to reveal his price to the public even as he cried out about the 500 million litres of which he claimed was costing him money daily as it remained in storage.

This was when we knew that if something was not done fast, Dangote might seek other people to sell his product to, after all, it is business.

The picture became clearer when reports of Dangote chasing after a multi-billion dollar loan to finance his refinery emerged.

You self, think about it.

How can you have a product for sale and be looking for money?

Boom, Dangote loaded some vessels and off it sailed to another West African country.

Import And Export

Now, while Dangote exported his product, the NNPC, who had promised to shun importation and lift from Dangote also went ahead to import from International refiners.

What does this mean for Nigeria and Nigerians?

First, the hope of buying cheap and affordable petrol should be forgotten, it may not happen anytime soon.

Also Read: Nigeria Losing Dangote Petrol To Other Nations

If that be the case, then also consider transportation, food, and every other to remain expensive.

Many Nigerians are feeling betrayed.

To them, the purpose of having a refinery has been defeated.

Who could be responsible, Dangote or NNPC?

We will leave that to you.