Founder and President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has accused powerful interests in Nigeria’s downstream oil sector of carrying out coordinated sabotage against both government-owned and private facilities, including the Dangote Refinery.

Speaking at a media briefing on Sunday, Dangote said organised cartels operating in the oil and gas industry pose a greater threat than drug syndicates, alleging that their actions have caused massive financial losses and disrupted operations nationwide.

According to him, the Dangote Refinery in Lekki has suffered repeated acts of vandalism, including the removal of critical spare parts from a 400-ton boiler, described as the largest of its kind ever built. He said such incidents were deliberate attempts to cripple the refinery.

Dangote also referenced the long-standing challenges faced by government refineries, particularly the Port Harcourt Refinery, claiming former NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, had informed him of over 100 sabotage incidents during repair efforts.

Questioning the collapse of Nigeria’s pipeline infrastructure, Dangote said the widespread destruction could not be blamed on natural causes. He recalled that in the past, petroleum products were transported seamlessly through pipelines linking depots across the country, including 22 depots connected to Kano, all of which are now non-functional.

“The pipelines have been completely destroyed. If it is not sabotage, is it an earthquake?” he asked.

Dangote disclosed that his refinery alone has recorded losses of about $82 million due to theft and vandalism, noting that the situation has forced the company to implement extraordinary security measures and increased insurance costs.

He added that the level of organised theft has compelled the refinery to employ more security personnel than operational staff, warning that continued sabotage poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s oil production and overall economic stability.

In October 2025, the Vice President of Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, revealed that the refinery had recorded 22 attempted physical sabotage incidents since it commenced operations.