In a major step toward Nigeria’s energy self-sufficiency, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, alongside the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zaccheus Adedeji, visited the Dangote Refinery on Sunday to oversee the commencement of petrol loading operations.

During the visit, Mr. Wale Edun described the moment as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s energy sector, highlighting the importance of locally refined fuel in reducing dependence on imports.

“Today, we have taken an important step, a key step toward energy self-sufficiency in Nigeria,” Edun remarked, underscoring the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that boost domestic production and contribute to economic stability.

The Dangote Refinery, the largest in Africa, recently began loading its first trucks with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, marking the beginning of large-scale domestic distribution of locally refined fuel. This development is expected to reduce the country’s reliance on imported fuel, improve fuel availability, and stabilize prices.

The presence of the Finance Minister and FIRS Chairman at the refinery underscores the federal government’s commitment to ensuring the success of the refinery, which is anticipated to play a critical role in Nigeria’s energy landscape.

Mr. Zaccheus Adedeji also expressed optimism about the refinery’s impact on revenue generation, noting that the facility would contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy through taxes and duties while creating jobs and enhancing local capacity.

The Dangote Refinery’s operation is expected to transform the energy sector, enhance the availability of refined products in Nigeria, and foster economic growth by reducing fuel importation costs. The successful start of petrol loading operations marks a new era in Nigeria’s quest for energy independence.