Nigerian Billionaire and President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has thanked President Bola Tinubu for his vision and support that helped to encourage him to embark on the Dangote Refinery project some years back.
The Dangote refinery formally took off on Friday, January 12, 2024 with the production of diesel and aviation fuel.
Dangote while speaking with stakeholders in the oil and gas industry on the historic start of domestic refining of petroleum products, recalled the support, encouragement, and thoughtful advice he got from President Tinubu towards the actualisation of the refinery project.
“This production, as witnessed today, would not have been possible without his (Tinubu’s) visionary leadership and prompt attention to detail,” Dangote said.
He added: “His intervention at various stages cleared all impediments, thereby accelerating the actualisation of the project.”
The Group Head, Corporate Communications, Dangote Group ,Mr Anthony Chiejina quoted Dangote as saying the diesel and aviation fuel from the refinery would be available in the Nigerian retail station within the next two weeks.
“We have started the production of diesel and aviation fuel, and the products will be in the market before the end of the month”, he said.
“This is a big day for Nigeria. We are delighted to have reached this significant milestone.
“This is an important achievement for our country as it demonstrates our ability to develop and deliver large capital projects.
“This is a game changer for our country, and I am very fulfilled with the actualisation of this project.
“The refinery has so far received six million barrels of crude oil at its two SPMs located 25 kilometres from the shore.
“The first crude delivery was done on Dec. 12, 2023, and the 6th cargo was delivered on Jan. 8, 2024,” he added.
Dangote said that the refinery can load 2,900 trucks a day at its truck-loading gantries, noting that the products from the refinery will conform to Euro V specifications.
