Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited, has affirmed that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery possesses ample petrol reserves to cater to Nigeria’s fuel demand.
Addressing stakeholders over the weekend, Dangote highlighted that the refinery currently holds over half a billion litres of petroleum products, valued at more than 600 billion Naira.
He emphasised that the facility is fully equipped to supply the country’s petrol, diesel, and kerosene needs without reliance on imports.
During a visit by Zambia’s Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote, and his delegation, Dangote reiterated that the refinery’s mission extends beyond Nigeria, aiming to enhance regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He expressed a commitment to fostering energy partnerships across Africa.
READ ALSO: Major marketers begin lifting petrol from Dangote Refinery
Following a comprehensive tour of the refinery complex in Ibeju Lekki, which includes Africa’s largest fertiliser plant and the world’s largest single-train refinery with a 650,000 barrels per day capacity, Minister Chikote commended Dangote’s vision.
He acknowledged the refinery’s potential to address Zambia’s energy challenges and expressed eagerness to collaborate with Dangote Industries for sustainable energy solutions.
The Zambian minister noted that his country has embraced private sector participation in the petroleum industry and is keen to explore strategic partnerships for energy security and economic growth.
“We aim to boost productivity in mining, agriculture, and other sectors. Your presentation offers an immediate solution to our energy needs. We are also fostering competition among private-sector players.
“We anticipate Dangote joining the effort, which will enhance efficiency, reliability, quality, and competitiveness. And we need this to happen as soon as possible.”
Regarding the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, he noted: “We have witnessed the benefits of introducing multiple players into the industry, which has significantly improved citizens’ lives.”
READ ALSO: Dangote refinery operations have reduced Europe petrol exports – OPEC
He further emphasized, “Based on our observations, we must strengthen intra-African trade to support one another. Uniting these countries will make Africa an efficient and reliable trade hub.
“We have seen firsthand that Africa can learn from Dangote’s achievements. This progress enables Africans to become self-sufficient rather than relying on external support. I believe this visit has offered valuable lessons, and the key takeaway for me is that Dangote prioritizes Africa’s broader development.”
Another member of the Zambian delegation, Samuel Maimbo, Vice President of Budget, Performance Review, and Strategic Planning at the World Bank Group—currently running for the AfDB presidency—highlighted the lack of sufficient development aid for Africa.
“Government funding alone is also inadequate to drive Africa’s development. The only way to achieve the scale and speed required for progress is through the private sector. That is why we are here today—to learn and witness an ambitious growth model firsthand,” he stated.
He added that only private-sector involvement can accelerate Africa’s development.
Edwin Devakumar, Vice President of Dangote Industries Limited, explained that the refinery operates with a core strategy of producing top-quality products.
“The project’s original concept was to refine Nigerian crude and add value. However, we also designed it with the flexibility to process a variety of African and Middle Eastern crude oils,” he said.
READ ALSO: Dangote Refinery reduces petrol price to N899
He continued, “Our approach focuses on maximum value extraction—ensuring that every barrel of crude processed delivers the highest possible value addition.”
According to Edwin, “The refinery can meet Nigeria’s entire demand, with 44% of its production covering local requirements and 56% designated for export. Every day, we produce 104 million litres of light products, including 57 million litres of petrol, 20 million litres of jet fuel, and 27 million litres of diesel.
“With domestic consumption at just 46 million litres, the remaining 58 million litres will be exported daily,” he said.
