EXCLUSIVE: Dangote Petroleum Refinery Commences Production

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, expressed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support, encouragement, and insightful advice, crucial to the realization of the petroleum refinery project.

Dangote also extended his thanks to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Nigerian people for their continuous support and belief in this historic undertaking.

He stated, “We express our appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his pivotal role in making our dream a reality. Today’s production milestone owes much to his visionary leadership and meticulous attention to detail. His interventions at various stages removed obstacles, accelerating the project’s actualization. We also appreciate the support from NNPC, NUPRC, and NMDPRA.”

“These organizations have been steadfast partners throughout this historic journey. We are also grateful to Nigerians for their faith and backing of this project. The production of diesel and aviation fuel has commenced, and pending regulatory approvals, these products will be available in the market this month.”

“This marks a significant day for Nigeria. Achieving this milestone is crucial for our country, showcasing our capability to develop and execute large capital projects. It is a game-changer for our nation, and I am profoundly satisfied with the realization of this project.”

The refinery has received six million barrels of crude oil at its two Single Point Mooring (SPM) locations, situated 25 kilometers from the shore. The initial crude delivery occurred on December 12, 2023, and the sixth cargo was received on January 8, 2024.

The refinery’s truck-loading gantries can accommodate 2,900 trucks daily, and its products adhere to Euro V specifications. The refinery design aligns with World Bank, US EPA, European emission norms, and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) emission/effluent norms, employing state-of-the-art technology.

“We extend sincere appreciation to our local and offshore bankers and financiers, who demonstrated remarkable patience during challenging times. We also thank the Government of Lagos State, led by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for proactive efforts in swiftly resolving challenges encountered during the project’s execution. Our gratitude to him is immense.”

“I also sincerely thank our host communities and their traditional leaders for their enduring patience, forbearance, and admirable cooperation in finding amicable and mutually beneficial resolutions to the various challenges faced during the construction of this substantial facility. Our dedicated staff have played a crucial role in the success of this project, and I thank them profusely.”