Nigerians Rush Dangote Refinery IPO Amid Petrol Price Concerns

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery opened its initial public offering on September 14, offering 4.1 billion shares at ₦525 each to raise approximately ₦2.15 trillion ($1.6 billion). The offer, which closes on October 13, allows a minimum investment of ₦5,250 for 10 shares. Investment platforms Bamboo and Cowrywise reported surging traffic, with Bamboo noting a 40 percent rise in new account openings the week before the launch.

Social media users celebrated becoming "business partners" with Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote, sharing screenshots of subscriptions and joking about influencing refinery operations. One investor quipped that Dangote should host shareholders to update them on "OUR company" performance.

“What happens when the people being invited to buy shares in the refinery are the same people struggling to buy the petrol it produces?”

The refinery reported a net profit of $1.82 billion in the first half of 2026, reversing a $476 million loss for all of 2025, with revenue exceeding $13 billion. It currently processes 700,000 barrels per day and plans to expand capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day within three years, using IPO proceeds to fund growth.

Critics argue the "people's IPO" narrative clashes with rising fuel costs. Days before the offer opened, the refinery raised its petrol gantry price from ₦1,265 to ₦1,350 per litre, a 6.7 percent increase. Retail prices subsequently exceeded ₦1,400 in several areas, reaching ₦1,450 in some markets, while many Nigerians face transport cost hikes and food inflation.