AfriPulse
President of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has proclaimed the end of Nigeria’s decades-long struggle with fuel shortages, marking a transformative milestone with the refinery’s first year of petrol production.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday to celebrate the 650,000 barrels-per-day facility’s anniversary, Dangote heralded a new chapter for the nation.
“For nearly five decades, since 1975, Nigerians have endured fuel queues, but today, we are witnessing a new dawn,” Dangote declared, emphasizing the refinery’s impact on alleviating a persistent national challenge.
Reflecting on the project’s challenges, Dangote revealed the high stakes involved, noting that failure could have led to lenders seizing his assets.
He recounted skepticism from investors, industry experts, and foreign officials who believed such a massive undertaking was reserved for sovereign nations.
“Many doubted us, thinking we were disrupting their interests, but we’ve proven them wrong by making Nigeria and Africa proud,” he stated.
The refinery has already driven down petrol prices, reducing costs from nearly N1,100 per litre to approximately N841 in states like Lagos, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara.
To further slash transportation costs, Dangote announced the deployment of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks nationwide, a move projected to generate at least 24,000 jobs. “These trucks won’t be driven by robots—real people will benefit,” he quipped, underscoring the human impact.
Dangote also highlighted the refinery’s robust employee welfare, including comprehensive health insurance covering spouses and up to four children, life insurance, and lifelong pensions.
On broader economic goals, he urged the National Assembly to support the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First” policy with legislation to protect local industries from cheap foreign imports. “Imports export our jobs and import poverty. We must build our own economy,” he asserted.
Looking ahead, Dangote outlined plans to boost the refinery’s capacity to 700,000 barrels per day in its second year, positioning Nigeria as Africa’s refining hub, a leading polypropylene exporter, and a key fertilizer supplier.
However, he ruled out entering retail fuel distribution, despite offers to acquire filling stations, emphasizing a focus on partnerships and wholesale supply.
Expressing gratitude to the Federal Government, industry partners, workers, and Nigerians, Dangote praised the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) for supporting the CNG truck fuel distribution initiative.
Addressing security concerns, he reassured the public, stating, “Nigeria is governed by the rule of law, and our security agencies are fully equipped to protect lives and infrastructure.”
Showcasing newly commissioned CNG trucks already loading fuel, Dangote reaffirmed his commitment to “creating value, generating employment, and strengthening Nigeria’s economy,” signaling a bold vision for the nation’s industrial future.
Source: NationalAccordNewspaper | Read the Full Story…
