Dangote Refinery Begins Production, Diesel And Aviation Fuel Expected In Market This Month

Dangote Refinery has commenced production, assuring the market of the availability of refined products, specifically diesel and aviation fuel, by the end of this month.

The $20 billion refinery made this commitment while announcing that production has started on Friday, January 12, emphasizing its dedication to meeting domestic demands.

This announcement follows the successful delivery of approximately six million barrels of crude oil to the 650,000 barrels-per-day plant over the past few weeks.

President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support, encouragement, and insightful advice.

Dangote acknowledged President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and prompt attention to detail, crediting his intervention for overcoming obstacles and expediting the realization of the refinery project.

He said: “We thank President Bola Tinubu for his support and for making our dream come true.

“This production, as witnessed today, would not have been possible without his visionary leadership and prompt attention to detail. His intervention at various stages cleared all impediments, thereby accelerating the actualisation of the project.”

“We also thank the NNPC, NUPRC, and NMDPRA for their support. These organisations have been our dependable partners in this historic journey.”

Expressing appreciation for the support received from Nigerians, Dangote highlighted that the production of diesel and aviation fuel had commenced, with the products set to hit the market pending regulatory approvals within the month.

He described the occasion as a significant milestone for Nigeria, emphasizing the project’s importance in demonstrating the nation’s capability to develop and deliver large-scale capital projects.

“We also thank Nigerians for their belief and support in this project. We have started the production of diesel and aviation fuel, and the products will be in the market within this month, once we receive regulatory approvals.

“This is a big day for Nigeria. We are delighted to have reached this significant milestone. This is an important achievement for our country as it demonstrates our ability to develop and deliver large capital projects.

“This is a game changer for our country, and I am very fulfilled with the actualisation of this project.

“I must extend our sincere appreciation to our bankers and financiers, both local and offshore.

“They demonstrated a great deal of patience, in seeing us through many difficult times,” Dangote said.

Acknowledging the patience and support of bankers and financiers, both local and offshore, Dangote extended thanks to the Lagos State government, led by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for proactive efforts in resolving challenges encountered during the project.

Recognition was also given to host communities and their traditional leaders for their patience and willingness to collaborate in finding resolutions to various issues encountered during the construction.

He said, “In the same vein, we thank the government of Lagos State, under the leadership of Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

“He has been incredibly proactive in ensuring that the many challenges we encountered in the course of executing this project were quickly resolved.

“I also sincerely thank our host communities and their traditional leaders for their sustained patience, forbearance, and admirable willingness to work with us to find amicable and win-win resolutions to the many issues we have had to deal with as the construction of this huge facility progressed.”

Recalling the initial crude delivery on December 12, 2023, and subsequent cargoes, the refinery is designed for 100% Nigerian crude but possesses the flexibility to process other crudes, including those from Africa, the Middle East, and the United States.

With the capacity to meet 100% of Nigeria’s refined product requirements, the refinery also has a surplus for export.

Equipped with Single Point Mooring Systems (SPMs) for crude intake and product discharge, the facility boasts self-sufficient marine capabilities and the ability to handle the largest vessels globally.

Furthermore, Dangote Refinery adheres to Euro V specifications, complies with US EPA and European emission norms, and meets Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) emission/effluent norms as well as African Refiners and Distribution Association (ARDA) standards.

KanyiDaily recalls that Dangote Refinery recently acquired one million barrels of Agbami crude grade from Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited (STASCO) one of the largest trading companies in Nigeria for refining.