In a monumental stride, Dangote's colossal oil refinery in Nigeria has finally commenced the production of diesel and aviation fuel, marking a triumph over years of construction setbacks at the 650,000 barrel per day (bpd) facility.
Situated on a peninsula on the outskirts of Lagos, Africa's largest refinery is the brainchild of Aliko Dangote, the continent's wealthiest individual, who invested a staggering $20 billion in its creation. Despite being Africa's leading energy producer, Nigeria has historically relied on fuel imports. The Dangote refinery is poised not only to render the nation self-sufficient but also to emerge as a potential exporter of fuel to neighboring West African countries, potentially reshaping oil dynamics in the Atlantic Basin.
Company insiders disclosed that test runs could kick off this week, following the arrival of the sixth crude oil cargo on January 8. In a statement shared on the social media platform X, the company expressed its jubilation, declaring, "This is a momentous day for Nigeria. We are thrilled to have achieved this significant milestone."
The recent delivery of 1 million barrels of Nigeria's Agbami crude on Monday brings the total volume received since December to an impressive 6 million barrels. As part of its February program, Nigeria's state-owned NNPC Ltd. is expected to provide four crude cargoes to the refinery. Dangote has ambitious plans to commence refining at 350,000 bpd initially, with aspirations to reach full production later this year.