Koko Maxwella 
Oil expert Bode Sowunmi discussing Nigeria’s petrol import trends on ARISE News
ABUJA, Nigeria – Oil and gas expert Bode Sowunmi says Nigeria’s ongoing petrol importation is not abnormal despite the operation of the Dangote Refinery, adding that imports will reduce steadily as local refineries reach full capacity.
Speaking on ARISE News on Thursday, Sowunmi said public concerns stem from a misunderstanding of data released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
“The data being quoted covers about 18 months, not one year,” he clarified. “It’s not an accurate reflection of annual imports.”
He noted that the Dangote Refinery, with a 650,000 barrels-per-day capacity, is operating at about 70 per cent output, producing roughly 27 per cent of Nigeria’s daily petrol demand.
“Even major producers like the U.S. and Saudi Arabia still import refined products,” Sowunmi explained. “The fact that we import doesn’t mean something is wrong—it’s part of global trade.”
He emphasised that import volumes have declined since Dangote began operations, noting that domestic supply will rise as other refineries like Port Harcourt, BUA, and Adibutu come fully on stream.
“Dangote alone can’t meet total demand,” he added. “We’ll need multiple refineries to achieve energy self-sufficiency.”
Sowunmi also urged a comprehensive audit of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries to determine whether corruption, sabotage, or poor management caused their failures.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
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