Dangote Refinery Set to Meet Nigeria's Fuel Needs

Kelechi Ogbu,

Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, has announced that the Dangote Refinery is on track to meet Nigeria's fuel needs, with plans to stop importing gasoline by next month. The refinery, which has already begun supplying diesel and aviation fuel, has the capacity to meet the fuel demands of West Africa and the aviation fuel needs of the entire African continent.

Speaking at the Africa CEO Forum Annual Summit in Kigali, Dangote highlighted the refinery's progress and its focus on reducing Africa's reliance on fuel imports. The refinery is expected to produce gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel, as well as polypropylene, polyethylene, and base oil.

In his words: “Right now, Nigeria has no cause to import anything apart from gasoline and by sometime in June, within the next four or five weeks, Nigeria shouldn’t import anything like gasoline; not one drop of a liter,” he declared.

Dangote emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency in fuel production, stating that Africa should not import fuel when it has the capacity to produce it locally. He also highlighted the refinery's plans to expand production and meet the fuel demands of other African countries.

The Dangote Refinery is one of the largest in the world and has the capacity to produce 650,000 barrels per day. It is expected to play a significant role in reducing Africa's reliance on fuel imports and creating jobs in the continent.