The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has described the reported milestone by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as a major boost to Nigeria’s energy sector and a validation of ongoing reforms in the downstream petroleum industry.
Nigeria reached a significant turning point in March 2026 when the Lekki-based refinery exported more refined petrol than the country imported, making Africa’s largest crude oil producer a net exporter of refined fuel for the first time.
Data shows the facility shipped 44,000 barrels per day (bpd) of petrol during the month, while national imports fell to 41,000 bpd—the lowest level on record—according to market intelligence firm Kpler.
The surplus of about 3,000 bpd marks the end of a long-standing structural anomaly in which Nigeria exported crude oil but relied on imported refined products due to insufficient domestic processing capacity.
Crude supply to the 650,000 bpd refinery rose to approximately 565,000 bpd in March, representing the second-highest throughput since operations commenced in late 2023, an indication of sustained large-scale utilisation.
President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, attributed the achievement to the economic and energy sector reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which he said created favourable policy conditions for large-scale domestic refining and restored investor confidence.
In a statement issued by the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the lawmakers said the development represents a watershed moment for Nigeria’s downstream petroleum industry and signals that domestic refining capacity is beginning to stabilise the country’s energy supply chain.
The committee described the achievement as a “national pride milestone,” noting that it reflects the growing impact of private sector investment in addressing long-standing inefficiencies in the petroleum value chain.
It commended the performance of the Dangote refinery, stating that the transition from heavy import dependence to net export status, even if marginal, demonstrates the potential of local refining to transform Nigeria’s economic structure.
Lawmakers added that the development is expected to ease pressure on foreign exchange demand, improve fuel availability, and strengthen energy security if sustained.
They also urged regulatory agencies to ensure transparency, efficiency, and the protection of critical petroleum infrastructure to preserve the gains recorded in the sector.
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to providing legislative backing for policies that promote domestic refining, support industrial growth, and position Nigeria as a leading energy hub in Africa.