By Abiodun JIMOH
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has exported two cargoes of jet fuel to Saudi Aramco, marking a significant milestone for the $20 billion facility. The achievement highlights the refinery’s global competitiveness and commitment to high standards.
Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, disclosed this on Tuesday during a visit by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) to the refinery and Dangote Fertiliser Limited in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos. He said the refinery’s advanced technology made it possible to supply products to global players like Saudi Aramco. Since commencing operations in 2024, the refinery has ramped up production to 550,000 barrels per day.
NESG Chairman, Niyi Yusuf, commended Dangote for his investment, describing it as the kind of bold initiative needed to drive Nigeria’s economy toward the $1 trillion mark. He stressed that Nigeria must prioritize domestic production over imports, citing global examples where governments actively protect their industries.
Dangote, in response, emphasized the critical role of private sector investments in national development. He noted that major economies, including the U.S. and China, safeguard their industries, and Nigeria should do the same. He cited the Benin Republic’s cement import restrictions as a model for supporting local businesses.
He also highlighted the challenges of industrial investment in Nigeria, particularly the burden of providing infrastructure such as power, roads, and ports, which should be government responsibilities. He added that 52 percent of every naira generated by Dangote Cement goes to government revenue, reinforcing the economic benefits of a thriving private sector.
With its growing production capacity and expanding exports, the Dangote Refinery is positioning Nigeria as a major player in the global energy market.