The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reached a historic production milestone, delivering a combined 70 million litres of petrol and diesel daily, a figure that surpasses Nigeria’s domestic fuel consumption.
Announcing the breakthrough, Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Industries Limited, said the achievement marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s energy independence and economic resilience.
“Our refinery is currently loading over 45 million litres of PMS and 25 million litres of diesel daily, which exceeds Nigeria’s demand.
“We are working collaboratively with regulatory agencies and distribution partners to guarantee efficient nationwide delivery.”
Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Industries Limited
Mr. Chiejina stated that Dangote remained steadfast in its commitment to meeting the energy needs of Nigerians, adding that the refinery’s significant production capacity not only guaranteed local supply but also enhanced energy security and reduced dependence on imports.
Mr. Chiejina emphasised that the refinery’s consistent operations have already stabilised fuel supply across the country, reducing Nigeria’s reliance on foreign imports and easing pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
According to him, the improved local production of petroleum products has strengthened the naira and reinforced investor confidence.
“We have reduced foreign exchange outflows and increased inflows, which in turn supports the naira and strengthens the economy.
“This is a vital contribution to the country’s economic recovery efforts.”
Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Industries Limited
He also defended the recently introduced tariff on imported petroleum products, describing it as “a patriotic and strategic policy” designed to protect Nigeria’s local refining industry. “It would be unpatriotic for anyone to criticise the recently announced tariff, which is a good start,” he explained.
“Dumping engenders poverty, discourages industrialisation, creates unemployment and leads to revenue loss for the government.
“Across the world, nations protect their local manufacturers and industries from the threat of dumping.”
Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Industries Limited
Nigeria’s Energy Market
According to Mr. Chiejina, unrestricted importation of substandard or cheap petroleum products has long undermined Nigeria’s energy market, discouraging local investment and putting genuine producers at a disadvantage.
He therefore called on authorities to strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent illegal dumping and ensure fair competition.
“Beyond the tariff, the government should strengthen its monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent the dumping of substandard and toxic petroleum products by unscrupulous individuals who prioritise profiteering at the expense of Nigerians.
“Such practices undermine well-intentioned government policies and distort the energy market.”
Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Industries Limited
Mr. Chiejina further noted that previous years of unrestricted dumping discouraged both local and international investors from setting up refineries in Nigeria.
He said the new tariff regime would not only protect domestic producers like Dangote Refinery but also attract new investments, create jobs, and stimulate growth in the downstream oil sector.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “courageous and visionary leadership” in implementing reforms aimed at transforming Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
“President Tinubu continues to embody courageous and visionary leadership, renewing the hope of Nigerians and restoring investor confidence in the nation’s economy.
“His administration’s bold and business-friendly reforms are reshaping the downstream oil and gas sector, unlocking new opportunities for industrial growth and national prosperity.”
Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Industries Limited
He also warned that failure to protect the local industry could open the floodgates to large-scale dumping from countries in Asia and Europe with excess refining capacity, a development that could “strangulate domestic refineries, cripple allied industries and undermine the administration’s economic policies.”
Mr. Chiejina appealed to industry stakeholders to align with the Federal Government’s vision of a self-sufficient energy sector.
“We must all demonstrate a collective sense of patriotism and responsibility.
“National progress can only be achieved through shared commitment to policies that strengthen local industries and protect our economy.”
Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Industries Limited
Eliminating Nigeria’s Dependence
Equipped with advanced refining technology, the $20 billion Dangote Refinery, located in the Lekki Free Zone, is designed to eliminate Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined fuels and stabilize energy supply across the country.
Since beginning operations in September 2024, the refinery has become central to price stability, helping reduce the cost of petrol and diesel while ensuring consistent availability nationwide.
Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited, recently assured Nigerians that petrol prices will remain stable through the end of the year despite global crude price increases.
“I want to assure Nigerians that the Dangote Refinery is fully committed to maintaining an uninterrupted supply of petrol throughout the festive period.
“Nigerians can look forward to a Christmas and New Year free of fuel anxiety.”
Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Industries Limited
As the refinery ramps up operations, it continues to position Nigeria as an emerging energy hub in Africa.
By exceeding domestic demand and reducing import dependency, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery is not only fuelling the nation’s economy but also redefining the landscape of Africa’s energy security.
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