November 28, (THEWILL) — The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is helping Nigeria save an estimated ₦10 billion annually in fuel import expenses, according to Mr Sunday Esan, Senior General Manager, Corporate Communications at Dangote Industries Ltd.
Speaking during a policy dialogue on Nigeria’s downstream sector, Esan said the operational capacity of the refinery has significantly reduced the country’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products. He noted that the savings arise from lower foreign exchange pressures, reduced shipping and logistical costs, and the elimination of middleman charges associated with fuel importation.
Esan explained that, beyond the financial relief, the refinery is already reshaping the country’s energy landscape by improving product availability and stabilising domestic supply.
He added that the project is also positioning Nigeria as a potential net exporter of refined products in the near future.
According to him, the ongoing ramp-up in production is expected to stimulate job creation, deepen local content, and support other industries that rely heavily on petroleum derivatives.
He urged the government to continue supporting local refining capacities, stressing that sustained collaboration between policymakers and private sector players like the Dangote Group would accelerate the country’s journey toward full energy self-sufficiency.
The Dangote Refinery, located in Lekki, Lagos, is currently Africa’s largest single-train refinery and one of the most ambitious industrial projects on the continent. Its increasing contribution to the local market, Esan said, will remain a major catalyst for Nigeria’s economic stability in the years ahead.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze
