The Dangote Refinery has officially commenced petrol production, marking a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s energy sector. Aliko Dangote, CEO of the Dangote Group, showcased a sample of the petrol during a celebratory event, emphasizing the refinery’s capacity to meet not only Nigeria’s fuel demands but also those of the broader sub-Saharan African region.
In his remarks, Dangote expressed his gratitude to the Nigerian government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their support, highlighting the refinery’s positive impact on the country’s economy, particularly in stabilizing the Naira. He praised the government’s “Naira for crude and Naira for product” policy, which he believes will reduce the demand for dollars and help curb market volatility.
Dangote also stressed the refinery’s role in addressing fuel smuggling and enhancing transparency in Nigeria’s fuel consumption. He explained that the refinery’s operations would enable accurate tracking of fuel distribution, helping to eliminate issues like fuel diversion.
The refinery, one of the largest in Africa, is expected to have a transformative effect on the region’s energy landscape, potentially changing the dynamics of fuel supply and demand across sub-Saharan Africa.
The event concluded with Dangote acknowledging the contributions of key team members and expressing optimism that the refinery would bring significant economic benefits and growth opportunities for Nigeria and the surrounding regions.