Cameroon’s state-owned National Refining Company (SONARA) has signed a strategic fuel supply agreement with Nigeria’s Dangote Group and MRS Oil & Gas Company in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s energy security and reducing its dependence on international fuel imports.
The agreement, signed in Lagos on October 22, will see Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery supply refined petroleum products to Cameroon, while MRS Oil & Gas will manage transportation and logistics to ensure regular deliveries.
According to reports, the partnership is expected to cover approximately 50% of Cameroon’s fuel requirements over a 30-month period, providing a more direct supply channel from Nigeria to the Central African nation.
The deal comes at a critical time for Cameroon, which has relied heavily on imported refined petroleum products since a devastating fire in May 2019 shut down its only operational refinery in Limbe. The incident severely disrupted domestic refining capacity and increased the country’s exposure to international fuel markets and fluctuating prices.
By sourcing fuel directly from Dangote’s refinery in Lekki, near Lagos, Cameroon hopes to reduce transportation costs, limit reliance on intermediaries and improve the stability of domestic fuel supplies. MRS will oversee the movement of petroleum products to SONARA’s facilities in Limbe before their distribution into the national market.
The partnership is also expected to strengthen commercial cooperation between the two neighbouring African countries while supporting regional energy trade and economic integration.
SONARA had planned a formal launch ceremony for the partnership in Cameroon on October 29. However, the event was postponed because of last-minute scheduling constraints involving Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote. A new date is expected to be announced.
The agreement represents an important development in Cameroon’s efforts to address recurring fuel supply challenges and rebuild its petroleum sector. However, its long-term impact will depend on the consistency of deliveries, the cost of imported products and whether the expected savings translate into benefits for consumers.
As African countries increasingly seek regional solutions to energy security challenges, the SONARA-Dangote partnership could become a significant example of cross-border cooperation in the continent’s petroleum industry.
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