Dangote Refinery Turns to Angola for Shipping as Nigerian Fleet Falls Short
Nigeria’s maritime sector has suffered a significant setback as the Dangote Refinery opts for Angola-based vessels to handle the shipment of its crude oil and refined products, citing a lack of suitable local capacity.
The development was made public during the 2025 Maritime Law Seminar held in Lagos. Ladi Olubowale, President of the African Shipowners Association in Nigeria, revealed that Nigerian shipowners were unable to secure the contract due to an absence of vessels with the required specifications.
According to Olubowale, the Dangote Group explored local options but found that Nigeria’s shipping industry lacks critical vessel classes – such as Supermax, Suezmax, and Aframax tankers – needed to transport the refinery’s cargoes efficiently.
“We are losing major logistics opportunities because we do not have ships that can meet the operational demands of the refinery. Until we develop capacity for deep-water operations, these gaps will persist,” Olubowale warned.
His concerns were echoed by Captain Tajudeen Alao, President of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners, who confirmed that Dangote had initially approached Nigerian shipowners to support its regional distribution plans across West Africa. However, none could meet the required technical and operational standards.
Alao urged the Nigerian government to hasten the disbursement of the long-awaited Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), which is designed to support indigenous shipowners in acquiring modern vessels and expanding their capabilities.
“Timely access to the CVFF is critical if we want Nigerian shipping companies to compete for opportunities like those at the Dangote Refinery,” Alao stressed.
The refinery, Africa’s largest, is expected to play a central role in reshaping fuel distribution across the continent. However, the reliance on foreign fleets has reignited concerns about Nigeria’s preparedness to leverage its own maritime resources in support of local economic growth.
