The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a major milestone in Nigeria’s quest for energy self-sufficiency, confirming that its daily output of refined petroleum products now surpasses the country’s domestic consumption needs. The declaration, made by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Industries Limited, Anthony Chiejina, comes with an assurance of steady fuel availability, particularly ahead of the critical festive period.
Mr. Chiejina stated that the massive refining capacity has already begun to fundamentally reshape the Nigerian downstream oil and gas sector, alleviating pressure on the nation’s foreign exchange reserves and contributing to the stabilisation of the Naira.
Exceeding National Consumption
The refinery, located in the Lekki Free Zone, currently dispenses substantial volumes of refined products daily. Chiejina detailed the precise figures, asserting, “Our refinery is currently loading over 45 million litres of PMS and 25 million litres of diesel daily which exceeds Nigeria’s demand.”
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to ensuring product distribution is managed efficiently across the vast market. “Our production capacity surpasses national demand,” Chiejina noted, adding, “We are collaborating with regulators and distributors to ensure efficient delivery across the country. Dangote remains committed to powering Nigeria.”
Supporting New Import Tariff Policy
The statement also included the company’s strong endorsement of the Federal Government’s newly introduced tariff policy on imported fuel. The refinery views the measure as essential for safeguarding domestic industries from predatory international competition.
Chiejina issued a firm warning against unrestrained imports, arguing that this practice threatens Nigeria’s nascent industrial growth. “Dumping destroys jobs and discourages industrial growth,” he cautioned. He also lauded President Bola Tinubu for backing the tariff regime, describing the decision as a “bold and visionary step” towards achieving full energy independence and stimulating economic renewal.
Festive Season Guarantee
The President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, personally guaranteed that the nation would face no supply challenges during the forthcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations. He promised that the period of perennial fuel scarcity and long queues—a recurring feature of previous festive seasons—is now over.
Assuring consumers, Mr. Dangote stated, “Nigerians can expect a festive season without fuel queues.”
Since commencing petrol production in September 2024, the Dangote refinery has been credited with playing a pivotal role in ensuring price stability and reducing the cost of fuel for consumers across the country.
