Fuel Self-Sufficiency: Dangote Refinery Counters Misinformation on Petrol Imports

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has clarified that there is no importation of finished Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) — commonly known as petrol — into Nigeria, countering recent reports suggesting otherwise. The company stated that locally refined petrol from the Dangote Refinery now meets a significant portion of Nigeria’s domestic demand, marking a major milestone in the country’s journey toward fuel self-sufficiency.

In a statement, the refinery dismissed claims that it imports finished PMS as false and misleading, stressing that such reports misrepresent its operations and could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s local refining sector. The company also indicated that it has identified individuals behind these claims and warned that legal action may be pursued against parties spreading misinformation.

Oil marketers and industry observers confirm that the refinery has consistently supplied petrol to the Nigerian market, reducing reliance on imported fuel. The move has been welcomed by stakeholders, including the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), which advised its members to prioritize purchasing petrol from Dangote’s facility to support domestic refining and strengthen local fuel supply chains.

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This announcement comes amid broader efforts to revamp Nigeria’s state-owned refineries. Talks are ongoing between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and technical partners to enhance capacity at existing refineries, aiming to further reduce the country’s dependence on imported petroleum products.

Analysts say that the rise of local refining through Dangote’s facility is poised to have several benefits for Nigeria, including stabilizing fuel supply, saving foreign exchange, and potentially moderating fuel prices. As the refinery ramps up production, Nigerians can expect more reliable access to locally refined petrol, signaling a shift from historical dependency on imported fuel toward greater energy self-reliance.

The Dangote Refinery, now one of the largest in Africa, continues to deliver substantial volumes of petrol and other refined products across Nigeria, underlining its central role in the country’s energy infrastructure and the nation’s ambition to achieve self-sufficiency in petroleum products.

Fuel Self-Sufficiency: Dangote Refinery Counters Misinformation on Petrol Imports

Naira Posts Strong Comeback, Breaking Two‑Year High Against Dollar

The Nigerian naira has staged a remarkable comeback against the U.S. dollar, defying expectations and posting sustained appreciation across foreign exchange markets as economic conditions improve, external reserves strengthen, and central bank interventions take effect. This upward momentum reflects a significant shift in Nigeria’s currency dynamics, offering potential relief for businesses, investors, and everyday consumers.

In the official foreign exchange market, the naira has recently strengthened to around ₦1,358 per dollar, its strongest level in nearly two years, fuelled by growing foreign exchange liquidity, rising external reserves, and improved investor confidence. At the close of 2025, the naira finished the year with a gain of over ₦100 per dollar, narrowing the gap between official and parallel markets and underscoring its resilience and renewed stability. The country’s external reserves expanded to approximately $45.5 billion, giving policymakers more buffer to support the currency and dampen volatility.

This performance marks a notable shift from previous periods of sharp depreciation, when the naira traded well above ₦1,600 per dollar in official and parallel markets. In contrast, recent data shows continued strengthening, with parallel market rates also improving, trading below ₦1,500 per dollar at various points as foreign exchange supply conditions eased and market distortions reduced.

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Analysts attribute the rebound to aggressive interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), including increased foreign exchange injections into the market — approaching $800 million in December alone — and renewed sales of dollars to Bureau de Change operators. These liquidity measures helped to boost market confidence and narrow the gap between official and street exchange rates, supporting the naira’s appreciation trend as the new year begins.

Economic forecasts suggest that if current policies and external inflows persist, the naira could continue to outperform projections, with some analysts forecasting it might trade around ₦1,350 per dollar by the end of 2026, a level that would signal sustained recovery momentum for the local currency.

The strengthened naira has also had real‑world impacts on prices, with consumers and traders noting sharper pricing for imported goods like smartphones and other electronics, reflecting less exchange rate pressure on retail costs. This relief in price pressures has contributed positively to market sentiment and consumer confidence.

Despite this progress, currency watchers caution that sustaining the gains will require continued economic reforms, stable inflows from oil and non‑oil sectors, prudent monetary policy, and consistent support for domestic production to reduce reliance on imports. The recent performance, however, is being seen as a turning point — a sign that coordinated policy actions and strengthening macroeconomic fundamentals can deliver tangible gains in exchange rate stability.

As Nigeria navigates the complexities of global financial conditions, the naira’s recent outperformance of the dollar stands out as one of the most notable developments in the country’s economic narrative, offering optimism for continued stability in the foreign exchange landscape.

Naira Posts Strong Comeback, Breaking Two‑Year High Against Dollar

Versat rolls out rugged heavy-duty C&C U400 trucks for Nigerian roads 

Versat Automobile Limited has officially entered Nigeria’s commercial vehicle market, unveiling the C&C U400 heavy-duty truck range designed for demanding local operating conditions.

The launch, held on Friday, February 6, 2026, in Lekki, Lagos, marked the company’s first major step into the heavy-duty truck segment, with a focus on supporting logistics, construction, mining and infrastructure businesses with durable and value-driven transport solutions.

At the event, Versat showcased the C&C U400 series — a high-performance truck line known for its safety features, lightweight design and strong load-carrying capability.

The trucks are being introduced through a strategic partnership with global manufacturer C&C Trucks.

A representative of C&C Trucks, Mr. Jin Haibo, said at the grand unveiling that the collaboration would combine global engineering expertise with local market understanding.

“This partnership allows us to deliver globally proven truck technology adapted to Nigeria’s operating needs, supported by strong sales, service and spare parts infrastructure,” he said.

Established in 2024, Versat Automobile said its market entry is built around durability, performance and long-term value creation.

Non-Executive Director, Alhaji Francis Ogboro, described the launch as the beginning of a long-term commitment to supporting Nigerian businesses with dependable commercial vehicles.

“Our entry into the Nigerian market marks the start of a strategic drive to empower enterprises with dependable, high-performance commercial vehicles. Through Versat Automobile Ltd, we are introducing trucks built for Nigeria’s operating environment, backed by strong local support and designed to deliver sustainable value to our customers,” he said.

Executive Director, Mrs. Ebere Anenih, said the trucks were selected and engineered to suit local terrain and heavy-duty applications, noting that they combine strength, reliability and economic value for fleet owners.

Currently, the company’s lineup features the C&C U400 6×4 available in tractor head, dump truck and chassis configurations.

The model is powered by a 400-horsepower engine delivering up to 1,800Nm of torque, supported by a high-strength steel chassis, reinforced components, advanced cooling systems and fuel-efficient turbocharger technology aimed at reducing operating costs.

Head of Sales (Commercial Vehicles), Mr. Umoh Ekanem, highlighted the truck’s 90-tonne gross combination weight rating and driver-focused cabin design, which emphasises comfort and operational efficiency.

Beyond product performance, Versat Automobile places strong emphasis on after-sales support as a core pillar of its strategy.

The company announced plans for a growing nationwide service network, genuine spare parts availability, factory-trained technicians and structured maintenance programmes.

General Manager, After-sales, Mr. Ifeanyi Igbokwe, said the trucks would be backed by a comprehensive support system, including a two-year warranty covering critical components, aimed at minimising downtime and protecting customer investment.

According to the company, the introduction of the C&C U400 range signals its ambition to build a strong presence in Nigeria’s heavy-duty truck market while delivering transport solutions tailored to the realities of local business operations.