Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has announced that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery currently holds over 500 million litres of petrol in its reservoir and is capable of meeting both Nigeria’s domestic fuel needs and export demands. During a tour of the $20 billion Lekki-based refinery with Zambia’s Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote, Dangote revealed that the refinery will reach its full capacity of 650,000 barrels per day next month.
He emphasized that Nigeria consumes only 40% of the refinery’s output, with 60% designated for export. The facility produces high-quality fuel that meets global standards, with sulphur content as low as zero parts per million. Dangote noted that many refineries in Africa and Europe are struggling due to competition from his state-of-the-art facility.
The refinery, strategically located near the sea, produces 104 million litres of petroleum products daily, including 57 million litres of petrol, 20 million litres of jet fuel, and 37 million litres of diesel. With a vast storage capacity, it can hold billions of litres of crude oil and refined fuel.
Zambia’s Energy Minister, Chikote, expressed interest in collaborating with Dangote to address his country’s energy security challenges. He highlighted Zambia’s reliance on Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam facility and the need for alternative fuel sources. Chikote called for stronger intra-African trade and praised Dangote’s vision for Africa’s energy independence.
In response, Dangote reaffirmed that his refinery is not just for Nigeria but for Africa, emphasizing the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in promoting regional economic growth.
