Abayomi Susan
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has hailed the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals as a landmark national asset and one of Nigeria’s most impactful industrial projects, assuring that the Federal Government will sustain the necessary policy and regulatory support to enhance its role in strengthening energy security, industrial development and economic growth.
Ekpo made the remarks during an inspection visit to the refinery in Lekki, Lagos, accompanied by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and senior officials of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Following a tour of the facility on Monday, the Minister said the scale and capacity of the refinery demonstrated the potential of indigenous investments to reshape Nigeria’s economy, create jobs and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.
He described the project as a powerful example of what Nigerian innovation and entrepreneurship can achieve, stressing that it deserves the support and cooperation of all government institutions.
“What we have seen today is truly an eye opener. A Nigerian has taken us to this level. In terms of employment creation and meeting the energy needs of the nation, this is an achievement we should all be proud of,” Ekpo stated.
The Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to maintaining a business-friendly environment through effective policies and regulations that encourage investments capable of advancing national development.
Also speaking during the visit, Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Senator Magnus Abe, described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as one of the greatest industrial achievements in Nigeria’s history.
Abe noted that the magnitude and significance of the project were yet to be fully appreciated by many Nigerians, adding that it represents a major milestone in the country’s industrial journey.
“I do not think many of us fully understand the level of achievement recorded here by Nigerians, within Nigeria. We are all extremely proud of this accomplishment,” he said.
Group Vice President, Oil & Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, who led the delegation on a tour of the facility, appreciated the ministers and NUPRC officials for visiting despite the challenging weather conditions.
He described their presence as a reflection of government’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at transforming Nigeria’s industrial landscape.
“I commend your determination and patriotism in braving the weather to visit this facility. Your presence here shows the importance of what we are jointly building for Nigeria and Africa,” Edwin said.
He explained that the refinery was established as part of the vision of Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, to enable Nigeria harness the value of its natural resources locally rather than exporting raw materials and importing finished products.
According to Edwin, the company’s Vision 2030 is focused on driving Africa’s industrial transformation by developing globally competitive businesses that promote self-sufficiency, create employment opportunities and deliver sustainable economic growth.
He added that beyond being Africa’s largest refinery, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery was built with advanced technologies designed to meet global environmental standards, including stringent requirements set by the European Union and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA).
The facility, he noted, operates with modern environmental monitoring systems, including ambient air quality monitoring stations, mobile monitoring equipment and advanced emissions control technologies, positioning it among the world’s most environmentally responsible refining complexes.
“Our goal has never been only to build Africa’s largest refinery. It has always been about creating one of the world’s best refineries, producing cleaner fuels that protect public health, preserve the environment and establish Nigeria as a major global refining and manufacturing hub,” Edwin stated.
The refinery recently attained a sustained processing capacity of 700,000 barrels per day after successful performance tests exceeded its initial design capacity. It currently supplies refined petroleum products to the Nigerian market while exporting to several African countries and international destinations, further strengthening Nigeria’s position as a major player in the global refining industry.
