The Dangote Refinery has recently exported Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) to Cameroon, Angola, Ghana, and South Africa, marking a significant milestone for the Nigerian-owned facility.
Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, revealed this development while hosting a delegation from the Japanese Business Community in Nigeria, led by Japan’s Ambassador-designate, Suzuki Hideo.
In a statement issued on Sunday, company spokesman Anthony Chiejina quoted Edwin as saying, “In recent weeks, we’ve exported petrol to Cameroon, Ghana, Angola, and South Africa, among others. Diesel has gone all over the world, and jet fuel is being heavily exported to European markets. Our products are already making their mark internationally.”
Edwin emphasised that the refinery is the realisation of Nigerian investor Aliko Dangote’s vision. Designed and built by Nigerians, the facility aims to serve both local and global markets.
He highlighted the fact that Dangote Industries Limited acted as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction contractor, integrating cutting-edge technologies from around the globe to ensure that the refinery adheres to the highest standards.
Edwin assured the Japanese delegation of the company’s openness to collaboration, stating, “Even now, we have a lot of Japanese equipment inside both the refinery and the fertiliser plant. There are significant opportunities for collaboration, as we always seek the latest technology in any business we engage in. For instance, our cement plant laboratory is managed by robots, and we always embrace advanced technology. With Japan’s focus on technological innovation, there is ample scope for cooperation and for supplying various types of technology.”
He also noted that the Dangote Petrochemical project is set to drive significant investment in downstream industries, creating jobs, boosting tax revenues, and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on foreign exchange outflows.
By leveraging Africa’s abundant crude oil resources to produce refined products locally, the Dangote Group aims to stimulate industrial growth, job creation, and economic prosperity. Edwin added that the refinery is expanding its polypropylene section to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports of the material, which is crucial in industries such as packaging, textiles, and automotive manufacturing.
The Japanese delegation lauded the refinery and petrochemical complex, describing it as a groundbreaking achievement that showcases Nigeria’s technological advancements.
Takashi Oku, Managing Director of the Japan External Trade Organisation, remarked, “We had heard about the excellence of the Dangote Refinery through the media but seeing it in person has left us truly amazed by its vastness and grandeur. It demonstrates that Nigeria’s population is not only growing but also advancing in technology. We are keen to collaborate with Nigerian companies, especially Dangote Refinery.”
He added that the refinery reinforces Nigeria’s position as a gateway to Africa and serves as an impressive introduction to the country for the global community.
Masahiro Tsuno, Managing Director of Itochu Nigeria Limited, echoed this sentiment, describing the refinery as a “miracle” and one of the wonders of the world.
“I’ve seen many standalone refineries across the globe, including in Vietnam and the Middle East. However, the size of a refinery built by one single investor is probably a miracle in the world. And I’m just actually witnessing a miracle,” Tsuno said.
He also expressed interest in exploring collaborations with the refinery across various sectors, including polypropylene and other petroleum products.
