THE Dangote Petroleum Refinery has sought the approval of the Federal Government to hit the domestic market with diesel and aviation fuel.


The approval is expected from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, which is responsible for the regulation of midstream and downstream petroleum operations in Nigeria.


Meanwhile, checks by Sunday Vanguard, weekend, indicated that refined products are currently stored in the refinery’s storage tanks while awaiting approval.

In a statement, the company stated: “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.

“The refinery has so far received six million barrels of crude oil at its two SPMs located 25 kilometres from the shore. The first crude delivery was done on December 12, 2023, and the 6th cargo was delivered on January 8, 2024.

“The Refinery can load 2,900 trucks a day at its truck-loading gantries. The products from the Refinery will conform to Euro V specifications. The refinery design complies with the World Bank, US EPA, European emission norms, and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) emission/effluent norms. Employing state-of-the-art technology.

“I must extend our sincere appreciation to our Bankers and financiers, both local and offshore, who demonstrated a great deal of patience, in seeing us through many difficult times. In the same vein, we thank the Government of Lagos State, under the leadership of Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who has been incredibly proactive in ensuring that the many challenges we encountered in the course of executing this project were quickly resolved. I thank him immensely.”

“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. Our staff have also contributed so immensely to the success of this project. I thank them profusely.”


Meanwhile, President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support, encouragement, and thoughtful advice towards the actualisation of this project.


Dangote also thanked the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), NMDPRA and Nigerians for their support and belief in the historic 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.”

In a telephone interview with Sunday Vanguard, the Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber, NJ Ayuk, said: “We are excited to see that the Dangote Refinery has secured its crude cargoes. This is a significant milestone, both for the country and the West African region at large. With a capacity to produce 350,000 barrels per day, the refinery holds particular significance for the country, where reliance on fuel imports has been a defining feature for decades, despite its over 37 billion barrels of proven reserves.”

“This cargo will see diesel, aviation fuel and Liquefied Petroleum Gas produced, followed shortly thereafter by the production of Premium Motor Spirit. These products will enable the country to become self-sufficient while exporting to regional neighbours. This, in turn, will strengthen the fiscal dynamics, putting an end to fuel subsidies, high prices and inconsistent supply, thereby setting a strong benchmark for other resource-rich countries in Africa.”


Similarly, the Chairman of International Energy Services, Dr Diran Fawibe, said: “This is a welcome development that will create many multiplier effects, including additional job opportunities. Any producing country would want to allocate a share of its local production to refining and that makes the industry complete.”

PrinceofSarcasm:
Just imagine. I feel the prices will be very high. They won't give approval if he wants to crash the price instead only if he will join them to keep the prices high.

The only way the Nigerian people can be free of suffering and these wicked politicians is if the people rise up and do away with each and everyone of them.

Nothing will ever change in Nigeria

Administration1:
Hopefully the cabal doesn't sabotage this

Bobloco:


Which of the cabal

Subsidy cabal or presidential cabal

Honestey:
Should be granted without delay nah. Probably the best thing to happen to Nigeria in the last 5 decades . Now I believe this is real

Administration1:
Hopefully the cabal doesn't sabotage this

Administration1:
Hopefully the cabal doesn't sabotage this

Randerl:
Believe this production at your own f..Ily. Production is yet to kick off. This is a project that was commissioned last May.

They said products will be in the market by July, then August and again october. No single drop made it to the market.

The Company said it will be in the market this month. Now they are seeking regulatory approval despite No production test run before december 2023. Expected the products in the market between February and June 2024.

How are we sure those are not imported products stored for resale. Anything goes in Nigeria.

Administration1:
Hopefully the cabal doesn't sabotage this

DMerciful:
Out of the $20billion, fg invested about $3 billion cash and crude so what approval are they seeking as if fg is not part owner?

We should stop playing to the gallery

OduduaDefender:
I don't even know whether to be skeptical or hopeful about this development.
We've been lied to too many times that it becomes very difficult to believe anything emanating from these people.