Professor Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, the former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Trafficking, has raised concerns about Aliko Dangote’s influence in the oil and gas market, suggesting that the billionaire is acting like a market regulator. Ezeilo warned that Dangote’s actions could signal an effort to monopolize the industry, which may lead to further exploitation of Nigerians.
This follows Dangote Refinery’s claim that lower-priced Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) is often linked to inferior quality petroleum. In a post on her X account, Ezeilo, who is also a former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Nigeria, argued that such concerns should not be used as a pretext to suppress competition and create a monopoly.
“I don’t understand why the wealthiest man in Africa is behaving like a regulator in the oil sector,” she wrote. “It appears to be an attempt to monopolize the market, which could make life even harder for Nigerians. There are already concerns about NNPCL, independent marketers, and accusations about substandard products. I sincerely hope this isn’t a strategy to wipe out competition and consolidate power.”
Ezeilo emphasized that Nigerians are enduring serious economic challenges and need affordable fuel, not just excuses about pricing differences with Saudi Arabia. She urged the government to issue more licenses and offer greater support to other industry players, much like Dangote Refinery has received. This, she believes, would encourage the growth of modular refineries, reduce fuel prices, and help ease inflation and food crises.