Babatunji Wusu –
- Dangote Refinery has begun exporting petrol (PMS) to multiple African countries and jet fuel to Europe.
- The refinery aims to drive industrial development, job creation, and economic growth by leveraging Africa’s crude oil resources.
- The facility, designed and built by Nigerians, is the world’s largest single-train refinery complex.
- Dangote Industries is open to international collaborations, especially with Japan, focusing on technological innovation.
- The refinery will have a significant economic impact, boosting investment and contributing to Nigeria’s GDP.
- International visitors, including Japanese delegates, commended the refinery as a technological marvel and a symbol of Nigeria’s progress.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has successfully expanded its operations beyond Nigeria, recently exporting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), or petrol, to countries including Cameroon, Ghana, Angola, and South Africa. Additionally, diesel and jet fuel are being exported globally, particularly to European markets, marking a significant milestone in the refinery’s international presence.
Dr. Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries, emphasized that the refinery’s strategic use of Africa’s vast crude oil resources aims to establish a cycle of local industrial development, job creation, and economic prosperity. This initiative aligns with the vision of Aliko Dangote, the Nigerian investor behind the refinery, which was designed and constructed by Nigerians to serve both local and global markets.
The Dangote Refinery, the world’s largest single-train refinery complex, has garnered attention for its scale and advanced technology. Dr. Edwin highlighted the pride of having a Nigerian company both design and construct such a monumental facility, which was also its own Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor. He noted that the refinery already incorporates Japanese technology and stressed that there are ample opportunities for further collaboration, particularly in areas like robotics and advanced tech.
The project is expected to significantly enhance Nigeria’s downstream industries, generating jobs, boosting tax revenues, and contributing to the nation’s GDP.
Japanese delegates visiting the refinery were struck by its scale and technological sophistication. Ambassador-designate Suzuki Hideo described the refinery as a “masterpiece,” and Takashi Oku, Managing Director of Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), called it a “remarkable project,” praising Nigeria for showcasing its technological progress. Similarly, Masahiro Tsuno, Managing Director of Itochu Nigeria Limited, referred to the refinery as a “miracle” and one of the world’s wonders, noting its size and automation.
With the Dangote Refinery setting a new standard in both technological innovation and industrial development, the facility serves as a significant gateway for Nigeria to strengthen its global standing. The refinery is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s economic landscape.
