Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery has begun exporting Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) to Cameroon, Angola, Ghana, and South Africa, marking a major milestone for Africa’s largest refinery. The Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, disclosed the development during a visit by a Japanese business delegation led by Japan’s Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo.
Edwin confirmed that the refinery’s products meet international standards, with diesel and jet fuel already making significant inroads into global markets, including Europe.
‘In recent weeks, we’ve exported petrol to Cameroon, Ghana, Angola, and South Africa, among others. Diesel has gone all over the world, and jet fuel is being heavily exported to European markets,’ Edwin said.
A global achievement built in Nigeria
Highlighting the refinery’s significance, Edwin emphasised that the project is the vision of Nigerian investor Aliko Dangote. Designed, built, and operated by Nigerians, the world’s largest single-train refinery reflects the country’s capacity for innovation and execution.
‘This is a facility designed and built by Nigerians to serve global markets. Cutting-edge technology ensures it meets the highest international standards,’ Edwin said.
The Japanese delegation, visibly impressed, praised the refinery as a showcase of Nigeria’s technological advancements. Masahiro Tsuno, Managing Director of Itochu Nigeria Limited, described the facility as ‘a miracle and one of the wonders of the world.’
‘I’ve seen refineries across Vietnam and the Middle East, but the sheer scale of this single-investor project is unmatched. It’s truly remarkable,’ Tsuno added.
A catalyst for industrial growth
The Dangote Refinery, which also includes petrochemical and fertiliser complexes, is poised to transform Nigeria’s economy by reducing dependence on imported refined products. Edwin noted the petrochemical segment will expand to produce polypropylene, a key material in industries like packaging, textiles, and automotive manufacturing, cutting Nigeria’s reliance on imports.
The refinery has already created significant employment opportunities, attracted foreign collaborations, and positioned Nigeria as a major player in Africa’s energy sector.
‘We aim to leverage Africa’s vast crude oil resources to create refined products locally. This will drive industrial growth, generate jobs, and boost Nigeria’s GDP,’ Edwin explained.
Japan eyes collaboration
Japan’s Ambassador-designate, Suzuki Hideo, and other delegation members expressed keen interest in collaborating with the Dangote Group, particularly in advanced technologies.
‘With Japan’s focus on innovation and Nigeria’s strides in industrialisation, there’s great potential for partnership,’ Edwin remarked, referencing Japanese technology already in use at Dangote’s refinery and fertiliser plants.
The visit underscores Nigeria’s growing prominence as the ‘gateway to Africa,’ with the Dangote Refinery cementing its role as a global industrial powerhouse.
