Dangote Refinery Begins Diesel, Jet Fuel Production
Aliko Dangote, president of the Dangote Group, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his "support, encouragement, and thoughtful advice" in making the $19 billion refinery a reality.
LAGOS, Nigeria - The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has started production of diesel and aviation fuel, a major milestone for Africa's largest oil refinery, writes Winston Mwale.
Aliko Dangote, president of the Dangote Group, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his "support, encouragement, and thoughtful advice" in making the $19 billion refinery a reality.
The plant has capacity to process 650,000 barrels per day of crude oil.
"We thank President Tinubu for his support and for making our dream come true," Dangote said. "This production would not have been possible without his visionary leadership and prompt attention to details."
Dangote also expressed gratitude to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, and the Nigerian people.
The refinery has so far received 6 million barrels of crude oil and can load 2,900 trucks per day.
The diesel and jet fuel will meet Euro V emissions standards and conform to regulations from the World Bank, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Nigeria's Department of Petroleum Resources.
Dangote called the start of operations a "big day for Nigeria" and a "game changer" that demonstrates the country's ability to complete major capital projects.
"I am very fulfilled with the actualization of this project," he said.
Dangote thanked the company's bankers, financiers, the Lagos State government, host communities, traditional leaders and Dangote Group staff.
The refinery is located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone about 25 miles east of Lagos.
When fully operational later this year, it will be Africa's largest oil refinery and is expected to meet Nigeria's demand for gasoline and other petroleum products.