The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has halted self-collection gantry sales of petroleum products at its plant, effective Thursday, September 18, 2025.

This was disclosed in an internal mail obtained by our correspondent on Friday, signed by the refinery’s Group Commercial Operations Department.

According to the directive, the decision is aimed at encouraging broader use of the refinery’s free delivery scheme for retail stations and blocking unregistered marketers from accessing supplies either directly or through third parties.

The company described the measure as an operational adjustment to enhance efficiency and advised marketers to embrace its Free Delivery Scheme, which allows direct shipments to outlets.

It further cautioned that any payments made after the cut-off date would not be recognised.

The message to marketing partners partly stated: “We wish to inform you that, effective 18th September 2025, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE has placed all self-collection gantry sales on hold until further notice. In light of this development, we kindly request that all payments related to active PFIs for self-collection are also placed on hold until further notice. Please note that any payment made after this date will not be honoured.”

However, the refinery clarified that its Free Delivery Scheme remains active for both existing and new customers.

“We encourage all active and newly onboarded customers to register for the DPRP Free Delivery Scheme, which remains fully operational and offers a seamless delivery experience to your station,” the mail added.

The management also apologised for any inconvenience, assuring stakeholders that the move was necessary to improve operations.

The suspension comes amid an ongoing dispute involving the refinery, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN).

While NUPENG has accused the company of blocking unionisation among its truck drivers despite government intervention, DAPPMAN has criticised the “free delivery scheme,” alleging it forces marketers to depend on Dangote’s fleet at commercial costs.

Dangote Refinery, on the other hand, insists the delivery model is designed to ensure stable supply and reduce costs, accusing marketers of pushing for subsidies and diversion of products. The standoff has fueled concerns around pricing, workers’ rights, and market competition.

The new policy could affect independent marketers and retail operators who have not registered for the scheme and previously relied on direct self-collection at the gantry.

Earlier report had it that Dangote reaffirmed its stance in the face of DAPPMAN’s demands, stressing it would not absorb transportation costs that marketers want classified as subsidies.

This latest clash between Dangote and DAPPMAN comes at a time of rising anxiety over fuel costs and supply logistics nationwide.

DAPPMAN, whose members own most privately run depots in Nigeria, argues that moving products from the refinery’s Lagos base to other regions involves substantial logistics and coastal shipping expenses.

In a statement issued via Dangote Group’s official X account, titled “We Stand By Our Statement on DAPPMAN … Marketers’ ₦1.505trn Subsidy Demand”, the refinery reiterated its right to protect its operations from “misleading reports.”

Supporters of Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, gathered at the Port Harcourt International Airport on Friday morning to await his return.

It was gathered that the governor, who had been on a trip to the United Kingdom, was expected back in the country.

Crowds of his loyalists, including former members of his cabinet, sang and danced both around the airport premises and on the steps leading to the arrival hall.

A day earlier, a similar group had converged in front of the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt, hoping to receive Fubara following his reinstatement.

However, the governor did not appear at the government house, sparking speculation over his whereabouts.

Fubara has not officially resumed duties since the end of emergency rule in the state.

Reacting to criticism over his absence, Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), argued that no law compels the governor to return to his office immediately.

According to Wike, governance is not restricted to physical presence in an office.

On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu lifted the six-month emergency rule imposed on Rivers State due to a prolonged political crisis.

The president directed Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the state assembly to resume duties on Thursday, September 18.

The Lagos State Police Command has announced the arrest of Shamsideen Adio, a member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state, for allegedly assaulting a dispatch rider to death on Tapa Street, Lagos Island.

Information gathered on Thursday revealed that the incident began after a dispute broke out between Adio and the rider over claims that the rider had scratched his vehicle.

Chris Nwandu, a journalist and Facebook user, who shared footage of the incident on Thursday, said it occurred on Wednesday.

According to Nwandu, the confrontation escalated when Adio, assisted by some colleagues, reportedly attacked the rider and beat him severely.

He wrote: “A popular Lagos Island NURTW top official by the name Shamsideen Adio mercilessly beat a dispatch rider to a pulp on Wednesday in Tapa Street, Lagos Island, for obstructing his way while driving on the road.

“He was joined by his other friends and colleagues, battering the poor guy as they liked. We are reliably informed that he’s notorious for beating Marwa (tricycle) operators to a pulp whenever they offend him.

“It was reported that a few days ago, he also dealt deadly blows to a Marwa operator who ended up in the general hospital.”

Efforts to reach Abimbola Adebisi, spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, for comment on Thursday were unsuccessful, as her phone line was unreachable.

However, a police officer familiar with the case confirmed that the rider died from the injuries sustained in the assault.

“The victim died from the injuries and the suspect has been arrested. He is now at the State Criminal Investigation Department,” the source said.