In a significant development for Nigeria’s energy sector, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals is set to begin production of premium motor spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol.
The announcement was made by Mr. Devakumar Edwin, Vice President for Oil & Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, during a tour of the refinery complex by the League of Engineering Bodies, including the National Society of Engineers (NSE), the Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE), the Association of Consulting Engineering in Nigeria (ACEN), and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
According to Edwin, “We are preparing to roll out our petrol any moment… The commencement of petrol production will complement the current products at the refinery, stimulate local supply of the vital product to Nigerians, and save huge foreign exchange revenue for the country.” Although a specific date was not provided, the company’s readiness to start production is a positive indication for the Nigerian economy.
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Edwin also addressed concerns about the company’s alleged monopoly in the industry, stating, “Someone had to start a project before others would follow… Nigeria was one of the largest importers of cement. Then, we started manufacturing cement and then we became exporters; same thing applies to sugar, salt, and now fertiliser. This breakthrough opened the doors for other investors in those industries and Nigeria is better for it.”
He further emphasized Dangote’s commitment to the Nigerian economy, saying, “What motivates Mr. Dangote is his sheer interest in the Nigerian project. Every money Dangote is making goes back to the Nigerian economy – from cement to salt, sugar, and fertiliser.”
Technical Consultant to Dangote Refinery, Babajide Soyode, expressed pride in the project, saying, “Aliko Dangote is harder than the project itself… His corporate vision is to meet the need of the people. It is the greatest honour of my life to be part of this project.”
The League of Engineering Bodies in Nigeria hailed the facility as “mind-blowing”, with the 34th and first female President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Margaret Oguntala, describing it as “a huge scale of engineering structures”.
The visit showcased the refinery’s state-of-the-art technology, strategically located marine infrastructure, and commitment to minimizing energy costs and environmental impact.