Dangote said ‘Our petrol will hit the market in 48 hours’, displays sample of petrol from refinery

The Dangote Refinery has officially commenced rollout of petrol production, making it a significant first Premium Motor Spirit from its 650,000 barrels per day facility.

President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote while speaking Tuesday during a briefing with Newsmen at the refinery in Lagos, expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the coming on stream of the refinery.

“I would like to salute the people of Nigeria and the government of President Ahmed Bola for creating the environment for us to thrive and also achieve this monumental task of giving energy to our people for growth, development, and prosperity,” Dangote stated.

Dangote highlighted the impact of the refinery on the Nigerian economy, particularly in stabilising the Naira.

He commended President Tinubu for the innovative “Naira for crude and Naira for product” policy, which he believes would impact market instability.

Dangote stated that the company’s petrol will substitute import dependence, bring down inflation, and stabilize the Naira against the dollar.

“You know, now you remove 40% of the demand for dollars in the market, and that will actually stabilise the market,” Dangote explained.

‘We can track every single loaded truck’ – Dangote

The CEO also addressed the issue of fuel smuggling and the importance of tracking fuel consumption accurately.

“As we have this refinery working, it will show the true consumption of Nigeria. We can track every single loaded truck and try as much as possible to track the loaded ships,” he said, emphasising the refinery’s role in eliminating fuel diversion and ensuring transparency.

Expressing pride in his team, Dangote singled out D.V.G. Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas, and Kunle Alake, Vice President, for their dedication over the past seven years.

“Without their support, there’s no way we’ll be where we are. So we thank them,” he said. Dangote also acknowledged the efforts of Fatima, a key player in the commercial aspect of the project.

Dangote underscored the refinery’s capacity to meet not only Nigeria’s demand but also that of sub-Saharan Africa.

“I hope this refinery will actually change the entire dynamics, not only in Nigeria but in sub-Saharan Africa,” he added.

The event ended with Dangote showcasing a sample of the petrol produced, symbolising the dawn of a new era in Nigeria’s energy landscape.

He explained that the first sample from his refinery appearing clearer than the petrol currently in circulation, will meet the demands of not only Nigerians but also sub-Saharan Africa.

Dangote assured Nigerians of the high quality of the petrol produced at his refinery, stating, “The quality here will match that of anywhere in the world; US, America, we will make sure that nobody will beat us in terms of quality.”

“This is the sample of the petrol. You see it as a different colour but that is the real deal. You are now going to have a good and real product.”