On Monday, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals announced that it is preparing to start producing premium motor spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
The Dangote Refinery, one of the largest and most advanced refineries in Africa, is nearing the launch of its petrol production.
Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil & Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, shared the update during a tour of the refinery by key engineering bodies in Nigeria, including the Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE), the Association of Consulting Engineers in Nigeria (ACEN), and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
The refinery has been under development for several years, and its completion marks a significant achievement in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The refinery aims to produce high-quality petrol and other products, which will reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel and boost the local economy.
Edwin said, “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 explained, “What motivates Mr. Dangote is his sheer interest in the Nigerian project.
“It is true, we are in business to make money but the question is where is the money going to?
“Every money Dangote is making goes back to the Nigeria economy, from cement to salt, sugar, fertiliser.”
During the tour, the visiting engineers praised the refinery and its impact on the Nigerian engineering sector.
Margaret Oguntala, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, described the refinery as “mind-blowing.”
She compared it to other refineries she had visited and expressed confidence in the future of Nigerian engineers, saying, “I was awed to see the state-of-the-art facility at the Dangote Refinery; what I see here today will blow the mind of any engineer; it is just like the movies.”
Prof. Azikwe Peter Onwualu, representing the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, noted, “We are happy some of our fellows are part of your system.
“We would like to remind the President of the Dangote Group, Mr. Aliko Dangote, that if you are not doing something great you will not be criticised. Whatever you are doing, keep it up.”
Edwin outlined the refinery’s goals, including minimizing energy costs, building environmentally friendly facilities, and producing high-quality Euro V products.
He also highlighted the refinery’s strategic advantages, such as its advanced technology and marine infrastructure for efficient crude receipt and product evacuation.
“The business strategy of the Dangote Refinery is to minimise the energy cost and the overall cost of production; build the most environmentally friendly; maximise value addition; maximise gasoline which is in high demand with about 55 per cent of the production capacity compared to 22 per cent of the existing refineries in Nigeria,” Edwin explained.
Engr. Babajide Soyode, a Technical Consultant to the Dangote Refinery, expressed pride in the project. He remarked, “I knew the project was a hard one, but Aliko Dangote is harder. He follows up on his passion.
“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.”
