A United Kingdom–based independent energy watchdog, Impact Investigators Platform (IIP), has stated that it found no evidence that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery imported or distributed substandard petrol in Nigeria, following a technical review of shipping data and refinery documentation.

The report, signed by lead investigator Raymond Neil, described recent media claims as “technically inaccurate and unsupported by evidence.” It found that the shipment at the centre of the allegations was an intermediate feedstock, not finished fuel intended for sale.

“Our analysis confirms that the cargo was a blending component used in refinery optimisation. It was never sold or distributed as finished petrol,” Neil said.

The IIP report added that the refinery’s import procedures complied with Nigeria Customs Service and NMDPRA regulations, and that all reviewed product streams carried ISO-certified quality certificates before dispatch.

The organisation noted that global refineries frequently import intermediate products for processing and that such transactions are standard industry practice.

Neil urged Nigerian authorities to strengthen verification mechanisms for refinery operations to counter misinformation, warning that “public misunderstanding of technical processes can erode confidence in national assets.”

He added that the IIP’s findings would be made available to regulators and civil society groups to encourage fact-based dialogue around the refinery’s operations.