By Daniel Igboekwe
….aims to transform Nigeria’s energy sector
The Dangote Refinery, one of Africa’s largest, has officially begun the rollout of its first batch of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. This landmark event marks a significant milestone for the 650,000 barrels per day refinery, located in the Lekki Free Zone, Lagos.
During a press briefing held on Tuesday, September 3, Aliko Dangote, the President and CEO of Dangote Group, announced the commencement of petrol production. Dangote proudly presented the first sample of petrol produced at the refinery, noting its exceptional clarity compared to the fuel currently available in the market.
He emphasized that the introduction of locally refined petrol would drastically reduce Nigeria’s dependency on imported fuel, which has long been a significant drain on the country’s foreign exchange reserves. Dangote expressed confidence that the increased local production would help stabilize the Naira against the U.S. dollar and ease inflationary pressures within the Nigerian economy.
“I would like to salute the people of Nigeria and the government of President Bola Tinubu for giving us the platform for growth, development, and prosperity,” Dangote said. He also extended his gratitude to President Tinubu for his innovative policies, particularly the “Naira for crude” initiative, which is aimed at enhancing currency stability.
According to Dangote, the refinery’s full operation will provide an accurate measure of Nigeria’s fuel consumption, as every truck and ship loaded with petrol will be tracked. This will bring more transparency and accountability to the distribution process, reducing inefficiencies and illegal diversions that have plagued the industry for years.
Dangote further assured that the refinery’s production would not only meet the demands of the Nigerian market but also serve the needs of other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, positioning the refinery as a critical player in the regional energy sector.
Highlighting the quality of the newly produced petrol, Dangote explained that the clarity and purity of the product would help protect engines from damage caused by impurities commonly found in imported fuel. “This is the sample of the petrol. You see it as a different color, but that is the real deal. You are now going to have a good and real product,” he stated, holding up a vial of the newly refined petrol.
This development is seen as a game-changer for Nigeria’s energy sector, promising not only economic stability but also regional energy security, as the country steps closer to becoming a net exporter of refined petroleum products.