The refinery project commenced by Aliko Dangote has been estimated to have a remarkable ability to generate about 650,000 barrels on a daily basis. Recently, a significant milestone was achieved as the sixth crude cargo, originating from the Agbami field located in the Niger Delta, made its arrival at the facility. This brought the cumulative crude stock to an impressive six million barrels of oil, meeting the necessary threshold to activate the facility’s capacity of producing thousands of barrels per day (bpd).
On December 12, 2023, the first shipment was made, marking the commencement of supply. Following this significant event, the sixth consignment was proficiently transported to its destination on January 8, 2024. During discussions on this remarkable achievement, Aliko Dangote, the head of the Dangote Group, conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support. He also emphasized the paramount significance of this facility, acknowledging its potential to revolutionize the nation. He expressed immense satisfaction in witnessing the successful realization of this venture.
Necessary approval is needed to introduce its products to the market.
Speaking further, he credited him for the awareness of their shared vision. The commencement of diesel and Aviation fuel production marks an important occasion, and they eagerly await regulatory approvals to introduce these products to the market by the end of the month. Achieving this milestone fills them with immense joy, as it signifies a momentous day for Nigeria. It is a significant milestone for the nation, exemplifying their adeptness in crafting and executing extensive progress.
Despite Nigeria’s status as Africa’s biggest oil producer, it has long been dependent on imports for refined petrol due to its dysfunctional refineries. However, there is hope on the horizon as the refinery’s upcoming operation is anticipated to transform Nigeria into a net exporter of fuels. This achievement has been a sought-after goal for The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and represents a significant milestone in reducing its dependence on imports. The act of exporting crude oil abroad and then re-importing it for sale to domestic stakeholders is spending the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
Products from refinery will adhere to Euro 5 specifications.
In order to meet the demands of the Dangote Refinery and five other refineries by mid-2024, Nigerian oil companies have been instructed to supply a total of 483,000 barrels per day. This massive refinery is projected to produce above 27 million liters of diesel, as well as 11 million liters of kerosene and 9 million liters of jet fuel. It will acquire crude oil from various sources in Nigeria, including the nation’s own state oil corporation. The Dangote refinery, with a production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, will be allocated the highest quantity of 325,000 bpd.
More so, he has finally announced the commencement of the highly anticipated refinery, with a starting capacity of 350,000 barrels per day. Accompanied by cutting-edge technology, the refinery’s truck-loading gantries are capable of handling 2,900 trucks on a daily basis. Additionally, the refined products from this refinery will adhere to Euro 5 specifications, meeting the requirements set by the World Bank, US EPA, European emission norms, and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) emission/effluent norms. However, in the previous year he made known his plans to list the Dangote Petroleum Refinery on the Nigerian Exchange Limited.
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Similarly, a report revealed that Oyeyemi Oke, a partner at A02 Law, recognized the NNPCL’s objective, crediting it to the company’s management team whose primary focus is profitability. Oke stressed the significance of addressing internal challenges with crude oil supply while also guaranteeing a steadfast dedication to maintaining the necessary volume of crude oil for the functioning of refineries. By the end of 2024, the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is determined to put an end to the importation of petrol.