Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, the world’s largest single-train refinery, is set to be commissioned today in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The event will witness the presence of esteemed leaders from Ghana, Togo, Senegal, Niger, and Chad, highlighting its significance for the entire region.
Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest individual, has spearheaded this groundbreaking project, which spans an expansive 2,635 hectares of land within the Dangote Industries Free Zone.
Anticipated to process an impressive 650,000 barrels per day (bpd), the refinery holds tremendous potential for employment generation, with over 100,000 individuals expected to benefit from the venture.
This transformative endeavor marks Nigeria’s departure from the league of oil-rich nations that heavily rely on petroleum imports.
In attendance will be distinguished guests, including Presidents Gnassingbé Eyadéma of Togo, Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, Macky Sall of Senegal, Mohamed Bazoum of Niger Republic, and Mahamat Déby of Chad, alongside various ambassadors.
Notably, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda will convey his goodwill message virtually.
This momentous occasion has garnered extensive support, with all 36 state governors, governors-elect, ministers, senators, and prominent industrialists from within and outside Nigeria expressing their readiness to grace the event.
Additionally, global oil traders, top international bankers, and representatives from international multilateral agencies are set to attend.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s President-Elect, who initiated the Free Trade Zone in Ibeju-Lekki during his tenure as governor of Lagos in 2002, will be present, highlighting the project’s historical significance.
The commissioning of Dangote Petroleum Refinery assumes particular importance as it represents the first time an individual has constructed a refinery of such magnitude.
Dangote’s ambitious venture aims to cater to the energy needs of Nigerian consumers and neighboring countries while facilitating exports beyond the African continent.
With over 50 countries in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) depending on imported refined petroleum products, this refinery will propel the promotion of regional trade.
According to the Facts Sheet on Dangote Petroleum Refinery, the facility is equipped to meet 100% of Nigeria’s domestic demand for all refined products, including gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and aviation jet fuel. Moreover, it is poised to have surplus production for export.
The refinery’s design emphasizes flexibility, enabling it to process various crudes, including Nigerian crude as well as Middle Eastern and US Light Tight Oil.
It boasts a self-sufficient marine facility with optimized freight capabilities and features five single-point moorings (SPMs), the largest order of its kind worldwide.
Additionally, the diesel and gasoline products from the refinery conform to Euro V specifications, complying with international emission and effluent norms.
In an effort to mitigate potential impacts of rising sea levels due to global warming, extensive dredging, costing approximately 300 million Euros, has been conducted, elevating the land height by 1.5 meters.
Furthermore, the project has invested in an array of equipment to bolster local capacity for site works, including 332 cranes. Notably, the construction of the world’s largest granite quarry, capable of producing 10 million tonnes of aggregate per year, has been completed to meet the project’s infrastructure needs.
To facilitate transportation, the company has developed a port featuring two quays with a load-bearing capacity of 25 tonnes per square meter, allowing for the handling of Over Dimensional Cargoes in close proximity to the site.
Moreover, two additional quays have been constructed to accommodate Panamax vessels for exporting fertilizers and petrochemicals, while two more quays have been designated for liquid cargoes. In total, the port will house six quays, including a Roll-on/Roll-off quay.
