Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Refinery, has dismissed claims circulating online that former United States President Donald Trump is unhappy with the establishment of Africa’s largest oil refinery in Nigeria.
The speculation followed comments attributed to Trump, in which he threatened military action against terrorists targeting Christians in parts of Nigeria. On social media, some users linked the remarks to the $20 billion Dangote Refinery, triggering widespread debate and conspiracy theories.
Addressing journalists, Dangote described the claims as baseless, stressing that the United States has maintained a strong commercial relationship with the refinery since operations began. He said suggestions that Trump is displeased with the project “do not hold water.”
According to Dangote, the US remains one of the refinery’s key crude oil suppliers, a reality he said contradicts any narrative of hostility toward the project. “The US has been one of our major suppliers of crude, which is why when someone says Trump is not happy with our refinery, it’s not true,” he stated.
He added that the volume of crude purchased from the United States further underscores the positive relationship. “Trump is more than happy with our refinery, because on average for a year, we do not buy more than 100 million barrels from the US,” Dangote said.
Beyond the political speculation, Dangote also highlighted the refinery’s impact on Nigeria’s fuel market. He said Nigerians now have the option of buying high-quality, locally refined petrol at a more affordable price, rather than relying on blended imported fuel sold at higher rates.
He warned that fuel importers who continue to bring in petrol may incur losses, while consumers benefit from cheaper and better-quality products refined within the country, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s energy landscape.
