Dangote Thanks Tinubu, Nigerians As His Refinery Commences Production, Portrays It As A Game-Changer

LAGOS- Following the successful initiation of refined petroleum product production at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, expresses gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians for their vision and support that spurred the commencement of the refinery project years ago.

Addressing stakeholders in the oil and gas industry on the historic start of domestic refining, Dangote acknowledges President Tinubu, the federal government, its agencies, and all Nigerians for their belief and support in the face of challenges.

According to Dangote, “I want to thank President Bola Tinubu for his support and for making our dream come true. This production, as witnessed today, would not have been possible without his visionary leadership and prompt attention to details. His intervention at various stages cleared all impediments thereby accelerating the actualisation of the project.

“I also want to express my appreciation to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for their support. These organisations have been our dependable partners in this historic journey. We also thank Nigerians for their belief and support in this project. We have started the production of diesel and aviation fuel, and the products will be in the market within this month once we receive regulatory approvals.”

“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,” he added.

He reminisces about the support and advice received from President Tinubu throughout the refinery project’s actualization.

President Tinubu, in a New Year’s Day address to Nigerians, had highlighted the anticipation for production commencement at Dangote and Port Harcourt refineries to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal on citizens.

Dangote extends appreciation to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for their backing of the historic project.

Expressing gratitude, Dangote notes President Tinubu’s instrumental role in overcoming obstacles and accelerating the project’s realization.

He also acknowledges the vital support from NNPC Limited, NUPRC, and NMDPRA, along with the unwavering belief and support of Nigerians.

Highlighting the significance of the achievement, Dangote emphasizes that the production of diesel and aviation fuel has commenced, with the products expected in the market this month, pending regulatory approvals.

The refinery has received six million barrels of crude oil at its Single Point Moorings (SPMs) since December 12, 2023, and it can load 2,900 trucks daily. The products meet Euro V specifications, complying with international emission norms.

Dangote expresses gratitude to bankers, financiers, and the Lagos State government for their support and patience. He appreciates the host communities and their traditional leaders for cooperation, and he commends the dedication of the project’s staff.

“I must extend our sincere appreciation to our Bankers and financiers, both local and offshore, who demonstrated a great deal of patience, in seeing us through many difficult times. In the same vein, we thank the Government of Lagos State, under the leadership of Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who has been incredibly proactive in ensuring that the many challenges we encountered in the course of executing this project were quickly resolved. I thank him immensely.

“I also sincerely thank our host communities and their Traditional leaders for their sustained patience, forbearance, and admirable willingness to work with us to find amicable and win-win resolutions to the many issues we have had to deal with as the construction of this huge facility progressed. Our staff have also contributed so immensely to the success of this project. I thank them profusely,” he added.

Dangote further stated on the project’s significance for Nigeria, portraying it as a game-changer and a testament to the country’s capability to undertake and complete large-scale capital projects.