Dangote Refinery has commenced Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) exports to Cameroon, Angola, Ghana, and South Africa. This was announced by Devakumar Edwin, Dangote Industries Limited's Vice President of Oil and Gas, during a meeting with a Japanese business delegation headed by Ambassador-designate Suzuki Hideo.
According to a press on Sunday release from company spokesperson Anthony Chiejina, Edwin confirmed that the refinery's products meet international standards and are currently being exported globally.
Edwin stated, "Recent weeks have seen petrol shipments to Cameroon, Ghana, Angola, South Africa, and other international markets. Our diesel fuel enjoys worldwide distribution, and we are experiencing significant export growth of jet fuel to European markets. Our products are achieving international recognition."
He emphasized that the refinery is the brainchild of Nigerian entrepreneur Aliko Dangote, designed and constructed by Nigerians with the aim of catering to the global market. Edwin expressed pride in the fact that a Nigerian company has not only designed but also built the largest single-train refinery complex in the world.
He noted that Dangote Industries Limited served as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction contractor for the refinery, incorporating advanced technologies from around the globe to ensure the facility meets the highest standards.
Edwin assured the ambassador-designate and the visiting delegation of the company's openness to collaboration, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining top-tier standards. "Currently, we utilize a significant amount of Japanese equipment in both the refinery and the fertilizer plant.
There are numerous opportunities for collaboration, as we continuously seek the latest technology in our operations. For example, our cement plant laboratory is operated by robots, and we consistently adopt advanced technology. Given Japan's emphasis on technological innovation, there is considerable potential for cooperation and the supply of various technologies."
Edwin emphasized that the Dangote Petrochemical project is poised to significantly enhance investment in downstream sectors, thereby creating considerable value, generating jobs, increasing tax revenues, minimizing foreign exchange outflows, and contributing positively to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.
He further noted that by utilizing Africa’s abundant crude oil resources for local refined product production, the Dangote Group seeks to establish a sustainable cycle of industrial growth, employment opportunities, and economic advancement.
He highlighted the global demand for the refinery’s petroleum products, particularly as it expands its polypropylene production to lessen Nigeria’s dependence on imported polypropylene, which is essential for packaging, textiles, and the automotive manufacturing sectors.
The statement revealed that the Japanese delegation praised the refinery and petrochemicals complex, calling it an impressive achievement that showcases Nigeria’s technological progress on an international level.
During their visit to the facilities of both the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, as well as Dangote Fertilisers, the Japanese delegation commended the advanced technology, affirming Nigeria’s position as the gateway to Africa.
Takashi Oku, Managing Director of the Japan External Trade Organisation, remarked that while Nigeria is recognized as the gateway to Africa, the refinery represents a remarkable project that highlights the nation’s technological advancements.
Oku further stated that as the world’s largest single-train refinery, it is a source of great pride for Nigeria. “We had heard about the excellence of the Dangote Refinery through the media, but witnessing it firsthand has truly amazed us with its scale and magnificence. It illustrates that Nigeria’s population is not only growing but also making strides in technology. We are eager to collaborate with Nigerian companies, particularly Dangote Refinery,” he expressed.
Itochu Nigeria Limited's Managing Director, Masahiro Tsuno, emphasized the Dangote refinery's crucial contribution to Nigeria's prominent position in Africa, presenting it as a compelling national introduction to the global community.
He lauded the refinery's impressive scale and automation, describing it as a remarkable achievement and a global marvel. He stated, "Having toured numerous independent refineries globally, including those in Vietnam and the Middle East, the scale of a single-investor-developed refinery is truly exceptional. This is a truly extraordinary undertaking."
Furthermore, Tsuno indicated Itochu's intention to pursue collaborative ventures with the refinery across various sectors, including polypropylene and other petroleum products.