The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced that it has exported Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to several countries including Cameroon, Ghana, Angola, and South Africa.
Dr. Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, made this announcement during a recent visit from a delegation of the Japanese Business Community in Nigeria, led by Japan’s Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo. Dr. Edwin stated, “In recent weeks, we’ve exported petrol to Cameroon, Ghana, Angola, and South Africa, among others. Diesel is being shipped worldwide, and jet fuel is being heavily exported to European markets.
Our products are already making their mark internationally.” He emphasized that by utilizing Africa’s vast crude oil resources to produce refined products locally, the Dangote Group aims to foster a cycle of industrial development, job creation, and economic prosperity. He also highlighted that the facility was envisioned by Nigerian investor Aliko Dangote, designed and built by Nigerians, and is intended to serve the global market.
“It is a point of pride that a Nigerian company not only designed but also constructed the world’s largest single-train refinery complex. Dangote Industries Limited, a Nigerian company, acted as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor for the refinery,” Dr. Edwin explained. Dr. Edwin assured the ambassador-designate and the delegation of the company’s commitment to collaboration and maintaining the highest possible standards.
“Currently, we have a lot of Japanese equipment in both the refinery and the fertilizer plant. There are significant opportunities for collaboration as we consistently seek the latest technology in our business operations. For instance, our cement plant laboratory is managed by robots, and we embrace advanced technology. With Japan’s emphasis on technological innovation, there is ample scope for cooperation and for supplying various types of technology.”
Dr. Edwin stated that the Dangote Petrochemical project will significantly boost investment in downstream industries, creating substantial value, generating employment, increasing tax revenues, reducing foreign exchange outflows, and contributing to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Ambassador Suzuki Hideo described the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical complex as an astonishing masterpiece that showcases Nigeria’s technological advancements on the global stage. The Japanese delegation toured the impressive facilities, which include both the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as well as Dangote Fertilizers.
They praised the state-of-the-art technology on display, noting that it reinforces Nigeria’s role as the gateway to Africa. Takashi Oku, the Managing Director of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), remarked that while Nigeria remains the gateway to Africa, the Dangote Refinery stands out as a remarkable project highlighting the country’s technological progress.
He mentioned, “We had heard about the excellence of the Dangote Refinery through the media, but seeing it in person has truly amazed us with its vastness and grandeur. It demonstrates that Nigeria’s population is not only growing but also advancing in technology. We are eager to collaborate with Nigerian companies, especially the Dangote Refinery.” He emphasized that the refinery has reinforced Nigeria’s leading position in Africa and serves as an ideal introduction to the country for the global community.
Similarly, Masahiro Tsuno, Managing Director of Itochu Nigeria Limited, praised the size and automation of the Dangote Refinery, calling it a miracle and one of the world’s wonders. “I have seen many standalone refineries across the globe, including those in Vietnam and the Middle East. However, the size of a refinery built by a single investor is probably a miracle.
I am honestly witnessing a miracle today,” he said. Tsuno indicated that his company aims to collaborate with the refinery across various sectors, including polypropylene and other petroleum products.
Engineer, Entrepreneur, forex trader and Analyst
