Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, has announced that Nigeria will cease importing gasoline by June 2024 due to the operational capabilities of the Dangote Refinery. This milestone marks a significant shift for Nigeria, which has historically relied on gasoline imports to meet domestic demand.
Refinery Capabilities
The Dangote Refinery, which started producing diesel and aviation fuel in February, is set to expand its production to include gasoline. With a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the refinery is one of the largest in the world. Dangote highlighted the refinery’s potential to meet the gasoline needs of West Africa and the aviation fuel demands of the entire continent.
“Right now, Nigeria has no cause to import anything apart from gasoline, and by sometime in June, within the next four or five weeks, Nigeria shouldn’t import anything like gasoline; not one drop of a litre,” Dangote declared at the Africa CEO Forum Annual Summit in Kigali, Rwanda.
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Impact on Africa
Dangote emphasized the refinery’s role in reducing Africa’s reliance on fuel imports, stating, “We can supply gasoline to West Africa, diesel to West and Central Africa, and aviation fuel to the entire continent.” The refinery’s output is expected to foster self-sufficiency across Africa, contributing to the continent’s energy security and economic stability.
In addition to fuel production, Dangote discussed the refinery’s broader contributions, including the production of fertilizer and raw materials for detergents. “We are working towards African self-sufficiency in fertilizer production and raw materials for detergents,” he noted, underlining the multifaceted benefits of the refinery.
Investment in Africa
Dangote reiterated his commitment to investing in Africa, emphasizing the strategic importance of the refinery. “We chose to invest all our resources in Africa,” he stated. “The refinery is a major step towards ending fuel imports and creating jobs on the continent.”
The refinery’s capacity not only addresses Nigeria’s fuel needs but also supports the broader African market. “What that would do is that we would be taking most of the African crude that is being produced and also be able to supply not only Nigeria, because our capacity is too big for Nigeria, but it would also supply West Africa, Central Africa and also South Africa,” Dangote explained.
Future Expansion
Looking ahead, Dangote revealed plans for further expansion. “We have 650,000 barrels per day, 1 million tonnes of polypropylene, we have 590,000 tonnes of carbon black, which is the raw material for ink, dyes, and more. This is the first phase, and we are moving on to the next phase which will start early next year,” he stated.
Conclusion
The Dangote Refinery represents a transformative project for Nigeria and Africa at large. By significantly reducing the continent’s dependence on fuel imports, the refinery is poised to enhance economic stability and promote self-sufficiency. The Dangote refinery capabilities extend beyond fuel production, contributing to various sectors and fostering job creation.
As the refinery prepares to commence gasoline production, Nigeria and the wider African region can anticipate substantial economic benefits. The Dangote Refinery is not just a cornerstone of Nigeria’s industrial strategy but a beacon of what robust, continent-focused investment can achieve.