By John Ikani
The Dangote Refinery has today started producing of highly anticipated petrol, a development that marks a crucial milestone in Nigeria’s energy sector.
“This is the first time in 28 years that petroleum spirits are being produced in Nigeria, and I’m here to witness it. This is a remarkable achievement. There’s footage from 1974 showing fuel queues, and those queues still exist. With the production of petrol, we will eliminate all fuel queues in Nigeria,” Aliko Dangote, the chairman of the Dangote Group, shared in an interview with Arise this morning.
Dangote highlighted that this will enhance everyone’s well-being, guarantee a consistent supply to the market, and remove paper-based transactions in the demand for PMS.
“It will also help rectify the distortion of the naira, stabilize the currency, and promote both growth and prosperity,” he affirmed.
Dangote’s production is poised to impact billions of dollars worth of trade in fuel markets, both regionally and globally. Nigeria is a major global consumer of fuel, having received nearly 250,000 barrels per day in shipments last year, mostly from Europe, according to data from analytics firm Vortexa Ltd.
“I believe what you are witnessing today is a moment of pride for every Nigerian, every African, and every entrepreneur,” remarked Devakumar Edwin, Group Executive Director of Dangote Industries Limited.
“Can you easily count the number of entrepreneurs who would risk nearly their entire wealth, $20 billion, and invest it in Nigeria, simply to alter the course of history, enhance the value of products within the country, and generate employment within the country?” Edwin posed.
Euro 5 fuel boasts a maximum sulphur content limit of 10 ppm, considerably lower than Euro 2, which can contain up to 50 times more sulphur (maximum 500 ppm). This reduced sulphur content translates to less toxic emissions being released into the atmosphere, resulting in cleaner fuel that is beneficial for both the environment and the people.
“You can observe the diesel; I’m confident most Nigerians have never encountered this color of diesel before. This is what we call Euro-five diesel, with less than 10 ppm of sulphur,” Dangote explained.
He further emphasized that this petrol will significantly benefit engines, vehicles, generators, and people’s health, while also contributing to a cleaner environment.
