In a landmark moment for Nigeria and the entire Sub-Saharan African region, Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, has announced that fuel from the highly anticipated Dangote Refinery will begin reaching gas stations across Nigeria within the next 48 hours. This milestone marks the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, with promises of unmatched fuel quality and significant economic benefits.
Speaking during a live exclusive interview with Channels TV, Dangote expressed his pride and optimism about the refinery’s capabilities. “Nobody would beat us in terms of petrol quality,” he stated confidently.
The refinery, which is set to produce Euro-5 standard fuel, will deliver cleaner and more efficient petrol and diesel, designed to enhance engine performance and longevity. “You can put it in your car and begin to run, and it will actually save your engine. It will give your engine the best performance,” Dangote assured.
Reflecting on the journey from inception to completion, Dangote reminisced about the early challenges. “Today, from the days when this whole ground was all water down to what you see now, this was the biggest industrial construction site in the whole world,” he said, highlighting the massive scale of the project, which once hosted nearly 200 cranes operating simultaneously.
Dangote also took a moment to acknowledge the personal sacrifices made during the refinery’s construction. “Even five, six years ago, I didn’t have grey hair, but right now, it’s history. But we thank God, you know, at least we’ve been able to deliver.”
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Dangote extended his gratitude to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Lagos State Government for their unwavering support throughout the project’s development. “Without the support of the government, we would not be here now,” Dangote emphasized, noting the crucial role government backing played in overcoming various hurdles.
The refinery’s operation is expected to have far-reaching effects on Nigeria’s economy. With a capacity to meet not only Nigeria’s fuel demands but also those of the broader Sub-Saharan region, the Dangote Refinery is poised to significantly reduce the nation’s dependence on imported fuel, stabilize the naira by reducing the demand for dollars, and curb inflation.
As the first samples of petrol emerged from the refinery, Dangote confirmed that distribution to the Nigerian market was imminent. “As soon as we finalize with the NNPC, our products will start going into the market,” he revealed. With 177 storage tanks ready to distribute the high-quality fuel across the country, Nigerians can expect an improvement in fuel availability and quality in the coming days.
The Dangote Refinery is not just a business venture; it’s a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s industrial sector and a catalyst for economic growth. As the refinery begins its operations, it promises to bring stability to Nigeria’s fuel supply, reduce the nation’s foreign exchange expenditures on fuel imports, and enhance the quality of life for Nigerians by lowering the cost of living.
This historic achievement is set to change the dynamics of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria and beyond, reaffirming Dangote’s commitment to driving Africa’s industrial revolution.
However, Dangote kept mute on the landing cost of PMS as he affirmed that the Federal Executive Council would communicate to Nigeria.
