The massive Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Nigeria, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels a day, initiated the production of diesel and aviation fuel on Friday. The refinery’s operation marks a significant shift in the nation’s economy, aiming to end the prolonged reliance on fuel imports.
A video capturing the refinery in action circulated in Nigeria, sparking excitement across various sectors. This development holds the promise of job creation, an expansion of the gross domestic product, and potential relief from the country’s foreign exchange challenges.
Aliko Dangote, the President of Dangote Group, expressed his elation and extended his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his instrumental support, encouragement, and invaluable advice throughout the realisation of this ambitious project.
“We thank President Bola Tinubu for his support and for making our dream come true. This production, as witnessed today, would not have been possible without his visionary leadership and prompt attention to detail. His intervention at various stages cleared all impediments, thereby accelerating the actualisation of the project.”
Dangote also acknowledged the support of key entities, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), along with the unwavering support from the Nigerian people.
He continued, “We also thank the NNPC, NUPRC, and NMDPRA for their support. These organisations have been our dependable partners in this historic journey. We also thank Nigerians for their belief and support in this project. We have started the production of diesel and aviation fuel, and the products will be on the market within this month once we receive regulatory approvals.”
The refinery, situated 25 kilometres from the shore, has received six million barrels of crude oil through its two Single Point Moorings (SPMs). The first crude delivery occurred on December 12, 2023, with subsequent cargoes arriving up to January 8, 2024.
The refinery is capable of loading 2,900 trucks daily at its truck-loading gantries, and its products adhere to Euro V specifications. Employing state-of-the-art technology, the design complies with international emission norms and regulations.
Dangote expressed gratitude to bankers, financiers, the Lagos State Government led by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, host communities, traditional leaders, and the dedicated staff who contributed to the success of this monumental project.
“I must extend our sincere appreciation to our bankers and financiers, both local and offshore, who demonstrated a great deal of patience in seeing us through many difficult times. In the same vein, we thank the Government of Lagos State, under the leadership of Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who has been incredibly proactive in ensuring that the many challenges we encountered in the course of executing this project were quickly resolved. I thank him immensely,” he concluded.