Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reached a significant milestone by successfully exporting two jet fuel cargoes to Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil producer and a leading global energy company.
Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, announced this on Tuesday during a visit by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) to Dangote Fertiliser Limited and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos.
“We are achieving the ambitious goals we set for ourselves, and I’m pleased to announce that we’ve just sold two cargoes of jet fuel to Saudi Aramco,” Dangote said.
Since beginning production in 2024, the $20 billion refinery—the world’s largest single-train refinery—has steadily increased its output, now reaching 550,000 barrels per day.
NESG Chairman, Mr. Niyi Yusuf, commended Dangote for establishing the refinery, emphasizing that investments of this scale are essential for Nigeria to achieve its $1 trillion economy target.
“To reach a $1 trillion economy, domestic investments must drive growth. While others are dredging to create islands for leisure, you dredged 65 million cubic tonnes of sand to build a future for Nigeria,” Yusuf said. “This refinery, fertiliser plant, and petrochemical complex are monumental. I hope you see a new Nigeria emerge in your lifetime.”
Yusuf stressed that industries like Dangote’s are crucial for Nigeria’s industrialization, fostering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and reducing import dependence.
“Nigeria has become a dumping ground for foreign products, yet we have the capacity to be a global player. It is unacceptable that a nation of over 230 million people, with a birth rate surpassing some countries’ entire populations, still relies on imports to meet basic needs,” he added.
During the visit, NESG board members and stakeholders toured the refinery and fertiliser plants, lauding the investment, technology, and expertise of young Nigerian engineers managing world-class laboratories and control units.
Dangote reiterated the private sector’s crucial role in national development, stating that many of Nigeria’s challenges could be mitigated by creating employment opportunities.
“The idea of a free market should not justify excessive import dependence. Major economies, including the U.S. and China, protect local industries to safeguard jobs and ensure self-sufficiency,” he said.
He cited the Benin Republic as an example, where cement imports are restricted to support local manufacturers, despite his Ibese plant being just 28km away.
“The President of Benin is a personal friend, yet they refuse imports to protect their local industries, most of which are grinding plants,” he noted.
Dangote also highlighted the significant capital investment required to establish industries in Nigeria due to inadequate infrastructure. Investors, he noted, often have to provide essential services such as power, roads, and ports—responsibilities that should ideally be handled by the government.
Despite these challenges, he emphasized that the government benefits when private enterprises thrive. “For every naira Dangote Cement generates, 52 kobo (52%) goes to the government,” he stated.
As Dangote continues to position Nigeria as a major player in the global energy market, this latest achievement reinforces the refinery’s role in driving economic growth, industrial self-sufficiency, and international trade.
