Professor Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, a former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Trafficking, has criticized Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest individual, for acting as if he is a regulator in the oil and gas sector. Ezeilo suggests that Dangote’s actions appear to be aimed at establishing a monopoly, a move she believes could intensify the exploitation of Nigerians.
Recall that Dangote Refinery previously argued that lower-priced petrol (PMS) could signify substandard fuel. However, in a post on her X handle, Ezeilo, who is also a former Dean at the University of Nigeria’s Faculty of Law, questioned Dangote’s stance on competitor products. She expressed concern that such claims shouldn’t be a tactic to eliminate competition and establish a market monopoly.
“I fail to understand why Africa’s richest man is positioning himself as a regulator in this sector,” Ezeilo wrote. “It looks like an effort to monopolize the industry, which could worsen the hardships Nigerians face. There have been concerns over the NNPCL, independent oil marketers, and claims about inferior products from competitors. I hope this is not an attempt to eliminate all competition and build a monopoly that benefits a few.”
She added that Nigerians are already grappling with economic difficulties and need access to affordable fuel, not just excuses tied to comparisons with Saudi Arabia’s pricing. Ezeilo also called on the government to grant more licenses to oil players and support initiatives like Dangote Refinery, as this could foster modular refineries, reduce fuel costs, and help address inflation and food shortages.