Dangote Petroleum Refinery has officially initiated the production of diesel and aviation fuel, marking a significant milestone for the massive project. Despite the commencement of operations for these petroleum products, the refinery is yet to produce Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

 

The Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, confirmed the commencement of operations, emphasizing the refinery’s successful production of diesel and aviation fuel. In an official statement released on Saturday, the Dangote Group clarified that the refinery’s production activities had commenced.

 

Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and encouragement throughout the realization of the project. He also extended appreciation to various entities, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, and the Nigerian people for their support.

 

Dangote specifically acknowledged President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and attention to detail, stating that the refinery’s production achievement was a significant day for Nigeria and a game-changer for the country’s ability to undertake and complete large-scale capital projects.

 

The Dangote Refinery, situated in the Dangote Industries Free Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, is designed to refine 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day. While diesel and aviation fuel production has commenced, the delay in petrol production is attributed to the gradual supply of crude oil.

 

Aiming for Euro V specifications, the refinery’s products adhere to international standards, including those set by the World Bank, US EPA, European emission norms, and DPR emission/effluent norms. The facility is equipped to load 2,900 trucks daily at its truck-loading gantries, contributing to the distribution of refined products.

 

Acknowledging the support from local and offshore financiers, government entities such as the Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the host communities and their leaders, Dangote emphasized the historic significance of reaching this operational milestone. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery project represents a major stride in Nigeria’s ability to undertake and deliver large-scale industrial endeavors.