Dangote Petroleum Refinery has achieved a landmark milestone by exporting two jet fuel cargoes to Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil producer. This significant achievement underscores the refinery’s commitment to producing world-class products.
Saudi Aramco, officially known as the Saudi Arabian Oil Company, is a majority state-owned petroleum and natural gas company and the national oil company of Saudi Arabia. The successful export of jet fuel to this global giant is a testament to Dangote Refinery’s advanced technologies and high standards.
Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, revealed this achievement during a visit by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) team to Dangote Fertiliser Limited and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos. Dangote attributed the refinery’s ability to export products to global markets to its world-class standards and cutting-edge technologies.
The NESG delegation, led by Chairman Niyi Yusuf, was impressed by the refinery’s operations, particularly its advanced Central Control Unit. Dangote announced that the refinery has sold two cargoes of jet fuel to Saudi Aramco, highlighting the refinery’s progress toward achieving its ambitious goals.Since commencing production in 2024, the Dangote refinery has consistently increased its output, currently reaching 550,000 barrels per day. NESG Chairman Niyi Yusuf commended Aliko Dangote for establishing the $20 billion refinery, the largest single-train refinery globally.
“To achieve a $1 trillion economy, much of that must come from domestic investments. I joked during the bus ride that while others are dredging to create islands for leisure, you’ve dredged 65 million cubic tonnes of sand to create a future for the country. This refinery, fertiliser plant, petrochemical complex, and supporting infrastructure are monumental,” he said. “My hope is that God grants you the strength, courage, and health to realise your ambitions and that in your lifetime, a new Nigeria will emerge.”
Yusuf emphasized that Nigeria requires more investments of this magnitude to achieve its $1 trillion economy goal. He stressed the importance of local industries in driving Nigeria’s industrialization and fostering the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
The NESG will continue to advocate for an improved investment climate to attract entrepreneurs, boost development, ensure food security, and address insecurity. Yusuf lamented that Nigeria has become a dumping ground for foreign products and emphasized the need to support local entrepreneurs to become global players.Yusuf praised Dangote’s visionary approach to making Nigeria self-sufficient in key sectors. He noted that it is inconceivable for a nation of over 230 million people to rely on imports to feed its citizens, highlighting the need for sustainable local production.
“The NESG is grateful, and I believe the nation is as well. This refinery represents the audacity of courage. It takes immense effort to do what you’ve done and still be standing and smiling. Thank you for inspiring us and showing that nothing is impossible. You’ve transformed Nigeria from a net importer of petroleum products to a net exporter,” he said. “We’ve all read Think Big, but this is truly about thinking big. The message is clear: the private sector can bring about real change.”Yusuf, accompanied by NESG board members and stakeholders, embarked on a tour of the refinery and fertiliser plants, expressing admiration for the level of investment, cutting-edge technology, and expertise of young Nigerian engineers operating world-class laboratories and central control units.He commended Dangote’s perseverance and success in overcoming numerous challenges, acknowledging the significance of the refinery and fertiliser projects in driving national development.Dangote emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in national development, stressing that providing gainful employment opportunities for Nigerians is essential to overcoming the country’s challenges. He argued that the concept of a free market should not be used as an excuse for continued import dependence.Dangote cited the example of the Benin Republic, which restricts cement imports to protect local industries, despite the proximity of his Ibese plant. “The President is a personal friend, and my Ibese plant is just 28km from Benin, yet they refuse to allow imports to protect their local industries,” he noted.Dangote highlighted the significant benefits that accrue to the government when the private sector thrives, pointing out that 52% of every naira generated by Dangote Cement goes to the government. He emphasized the challenges involved in setting up industries in Nigeria, particularly the substantial capital investment required due to the lack of infrastructure.Dangote stressed that investors are often forced to assume responsibilities for essential services such as power, roads, and ports, which should be provided by the government. He underscored the need for a conducive business environment to foster private sector growth and national development.
Source : https://freshangleng.com/
