In a press statement released yesterday, Dangote Oil Refining Company announced the delivery of one million barrels of Agbami crude oil to its refinery, marking a major milestone in the preparation for the test running of the plant. The delivery was made via MT ALMI SUN and will provide the necessary stocks required to kick-start the refinery’s operations.
The refinery, a joint venture between Dangote Industries and NNPC Ltd., with the latter having a 20 percent stake, has been eagerly anticipating the delivery of the crude oil. The Managing Director of Dangote Ports Operations, Mr. Akin Omole, expressed his excitement at the development, stating that the delivery of the six million barrels of Agbami crude oil will facilitate the initial run of the refinery and enable the production of diesel, aviation fuel, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The refinery will subsequently progress to the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Currently, under construction in the Lekki Free Zone near Lagos, Nigeria, the Dangote Oil Refinery is set to become Africa’s largest oil refinery and the world’s biggest single-train facility, with a capacity to produce 650,000 barrels per day (BPD). This is seen as a significant step for Nigeria, a country that has long relied on fuel imports despite having over 37 billion barrels of proven oil reserves.
Commenting on the delivery, the Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, NJ Ayuk, expressed excitement about the milestone, stating that it not only holds significance for Nigeria but also for the entire West African region. With a capacity to produce 350,000 BPD, the refinery is expected to greatly reduce the country’s dependence on fuel imports.
The test run of the Dangote Refinery is eagerly awaited by stakeholders and industry experts alike, as it represents a major step towards achieving Nigeria’s goal of becoming self-sufficient in petroleum products. The successful operation of the refinery will also have a positive impact on the country’s economy, creating job opportunities and attracting foreign investments.
As the refinery prepares for the test run, the nation eagerly awaits the outcome and the potential it holds for transforming Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
