Dangote Petroleum Refinery, boasting a daily capacity of 650,000 barrels, has initiated the production of refined petroleum products. Positioned in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, it stands as the largest single-train refinery globally. The commencement of production took place on Friday, following the refinery’s reception of the final 6th batch of one million barrels of crude oil essential for its initial operations.
Approximately a month ago, the Dangote refinery received its first one million barrels of Agbami crude grade from Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited, a major player in Nigeria’s oil trade and a global leader trading over eight million barrels of crude oil daily. Subsequently, the refinery received crude oil in multiple batches, and the 6th batch of one million barrels of Agbami crude was discharged on Monday at the Single Point Mooring at the Dangote Offshore Oil Terminal.
Akin Omole, the Managing Director of Dangote Ports Operations, had earlier informed journalists at the Dangote Quay in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, that the refinery would be ready to commence operations upon the delivery of the six million barrels of crude. Omole explained that once the six million barrels were fully delivered, the refinery would begin operations, initiating the production of diesel, aviation fuel, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas, with subsequent progress to the production of Premium Motor Spirit.
This significant milestone is expected to address the fuel supply challenges faced not only by Nigeria but also by other West African countries. The operational Dangote Petroleum Refinery, as per the company’s claims, has the capability to meet 100 per cent of Nigeria’s refined product requirements, including gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and aviation jet, with a surplus of each for export.
In his New Year broadcast to Nigerians, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hinted that both the Port Harcourt and Dangote refineries are anticipated to commence operations in January 2024.