A consortium of downstream oil marketers has called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate alleged anti-competitive pricing practices by the Dangote Refinery. The marketers claim that the refinery’s pricing strategies are discouraging fair competition and undermining business sustainability in Nigeria’s oil sector.

In a statement issued to journalists, the consortium emphasized that the FCCPC was established to combat anti-competitive practices and ensure a level playing field in the Nigerian economy. According to them, the commission’s mandate includes monitoring business interactions among wholesalers, retailers, and other market players, with the goal of preventing monopolistic tendencies and protecting consumers from exploitation.

The marketers alleged that Dangote Refinery has engaged in practices that amount to abuse of market dominance. They cited instances where buyers are charged a fixed price for commodities, only for the refinery to announce sudden price reductions after transactions have been completed. For example, they explained that if a commodity is purchased at ₦700 per unit, the refinery might later reduce the price by ₦100 without refunding the difference to earlier buyers.

They further claimed that bulk buyers, such as those purchasing millions of litres, are particularly disadvantaged. According to the consortium, once such buyers load their products, the refinery often reduces the price, effectively discouraging large-scale purchases. This practice, they argued, amounts to “disincentivising business” and creates uncertainty in the market.

The statement also highlighted that price gouging and fixing are recognized as criminal offences under Nigerian law, and the FCCPC has the authority to take legal action against violators. The marketers urged regulators in the oil sector to liaise closely with the FCCPC to ensure that pricing abuses are thoroughly investigated and addressed.

“The aim is to investigate abuse of prices and prevent practices that harm competition and consumers,” the consortium stressed, adding that unchecked market domination could erode trust and destabilize the downstream oil industry.

The consortium of marketers is concerned about pricing transparency and market fairness are now raising questions about its impact on competition and consumer welfare.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has convened its first regular consultative meeting of the year with registered political parties, marking the start of formal preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The meeting, held at INEC headquarters in Abuja, has drawn leadership from major parties but is being overshadowed by a conspicuous intra-party division. A faction of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by former Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki, is notably absent.

In contrast, the PDP’s rival faction, led by National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and its factional National Chairman, Abdul Rahman Mohammed, is in attendance.

The session features broad participation from other key political organizations. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is represented by its National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, and the party’s National Secretary. The Labour Party delegation includes its National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, and National Secretary Senator Darlington Nwokocha.

The consultative forum is a critical mechanism for INEC to align with political stakeholders on electoral timelines, frameworks, and potential reforms ahead of the next national polls.

Abubakar Isah Dandago, a veteran journalist, has resigned as the pioneer General Manager of Hikima Private FM in Kano.

Abubakar Isah Dandago is a veteran journalist based in Kano who worked with various radio stations and currently is a reporter with Radio France International.

He wished the station well and his colleagues with whom he worked during his stay as General Manager.