The Dangote refinery has recently begun exporting Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) to several countries, including Cameroon, Angola, Ghana, and South Africa. This information was shared by the Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, during a visit from a Japanese business delegation led by Japan’s Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo.
In a statement released on Sunday, the company’s spokesperson, Anthony Chiejina, quoted Edwin confirming that the refinery’s products meet international standards and are already being shipped globally. “In recent weeks, we’ve exported petrol to Cameroon, Ghana, Angola, and South Africa, among others. Diesel has gone all over the world, and jet fuel is being heavily exported to European markets. Our products are already making their mark internationally,” Edwin said.
Edwin further highlighted that the refinery, which is the brainchild of Nigerian entrepreneur Aliko Dangote, was both designed and built by Nigerians with the aim of catering to the global market. He expressed pride in the fact that a Nigerian company had not only designed but also constructed the world’s largest single-train refinery complex. Edwin explained that Dangote Industries Limited acted as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor for the refinery, incorporating cutting-edge global technologies to ensure the facility meets the highest standards.
During the meeting, Edwin assured the Japanese delegation that Dangote Industries is always open to collaboration and committed to maintaining top-notch standards. He noted that a significant number of Japanese-made equipment are already used within both the refinery and the fertiliser plant. “Even now, we have a lot of Japanese equipment inside both the refinery and the fertiliser plant. There are significant opportunities for collaboration, as we always seek the latest technology in any business we engage in,” Edwin said. He also pointed out that their cement plant laboratory is managed by robots, underscoring their embrace of advanced technology. With Japan’s strong focus on technological innovation, Edwin emphasized the vast potential for collaboration, particularly in the supply of various technologies.
Edwin also discussed how the Dangote Petrochemical project will enhance investment in downstream industries, creating significant value, generating employment, boosting tax revenues, reducing foreign exchange outflows, and contributing to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product. He stated that by utilizing Africa’s abundant crude oil resources to produce refined products locally, Dangote Group aims to foster a virtuous cycle of industrial development, job creation, and economic prosperity. He also mentioned that the refinery’s products, including polypropylene, are in high demand globally, with efforts underway to expand its polypropylene production. This move aims to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported polypropylene, a key material used in packaging, textiles, and the automotive industry.
The statement also revealed that the Japanese delegation expressed their admiration for the Dangote refinery and petrochemicals complex, calling it an impressive masterpiece that highlights Nigeria’s technological achievements on the global stage. Takashi Oku, the Managing Director of the Japan External Trade Organisation, remarked, “We had heard about the excellence of the Dangote Refinery through the media but seeing it in person has left us truly amazed by its vastness and grandeur. It demonstrates that Nigeria’s population is not only growing but also advancing in technology. We are keen to collaborate with Nigerian companies, especially Dangote Refinery.”
Oku further emphasized Nigeria’s position as the gateway to Africa and noted that the refinery is a perfect example of the country’s technological progress. He described the refinery as a key asset in reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa. Additionally, the Managing Director of Itochu Nigeria Limited, Masahiro Tsuno, praised the scale and automation of the Dangote refinery, calling it a “miracle” and one of the wonders of the world. “I’ve seen many standalone refineries across the globe, including in Vietnam and the Middle East. However, the size of a refinery built by one single investor is probably a miracle in the world. And I’m just actually witnessing a miracle,” Tsuno said.
Tsuno also indicated that his company plans to explore opportunities for collaboration with the Dangote refinery, particularly in the areas of polypropylene and other petroleum products.
