Aliko Dangote, the President of the Dangote Group, has assured that Nigeria will have no need to import petrol next month.
In a statement made at the Africa CEO Forum Summit in Kigali, Dangote expressed optimism about the transformation of the energy landscape in Africa. He highlighted that with the progress of the Dangote Refinery in Nigeria, the country will achieve self-sufficiency in gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel needs. The refinery is set to produce these essential fuels from African crude supply, meeting not only Nigeria’s requirements but also those of West Africa, Central Africa, and South Africa.
The Dangote Refinery, commissioned in February and currently producing jet fuel and diesel, is expected to start producing gasoline next month. This development marks a significant step towards reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products. Aliko Dangote emphasized that Africa needs to shift from being raw material importers to producing finished products domestically to create jobs and alleviate poverty.
The refinery’s capacity is substantial, with plans to expand further in subsequent phases. It aims to address the demand for polypropylene, polyethylene, base oil, linear benzyl, and other raw materials within Africa. By achieving self-sufficiency in fertilizer production – including potash, phosphate, and urea – the refinery is making strides towards reducing Africa’s dependence on imports for critical resources.
Dangote acknowledged the challenges faced during the construction of the refinery but emphasized that failure was not an option. He highlighted the importance of investing in companies rather than merely trading without adding value locally. The project represents a significant investment in Africa’s energy sector and underscores Dangote’s commitment to driving economic growth through strategic industrial ventures.
In summary, Aliko Dangote’s assurance that Nigeria will no longer need to import petrol next month reflects the progress made by the Dangote Refinery in achieving self-sufficiency in gasoline production and transforming Africa’s energy landscape.
