The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has commenced the export of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to Cameroon, Ghana, Angola, and South Africa.
The announcement was made by Dr. Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, during a visit by a delegation from the Japanese Business Community in Nigeria, led by Japan’s Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo.
“In recent weeks, we’ve exported petrol to Cameroon, Ghana, Angola, and South Africa, among others. Diesel has been shipped worldwide, and jet fuel is heavily exported to European markets. Our products are already making an international impact,” Dr. Edwin revealed.
He emphasized that the refinery, a project envisioned by Nigerian investor Aliko Dangote, is not only designed and built by Nigerians but also aimed at serving global markets. “It’s a point of pride that a Nigerian company designed and constructed the world’s largest single-train refinery complex,” he added.
The delegation lauded the refinery’s state-of-the-art facilities, which also house petrochemical and fertilizer plants, praising it as a testament to Nigeria’s technological advancements. Japan’s Ambassador-designate Suzuki Hideo described the facility as “an astonishing masterpiece,” highlighting its role in showcasing Nigeria’s capabilities on the global stage.
Dr. Edwin assured the visitors of Dangote Group’s commitment to international collaboration and cutting-edge technology. “Our refinery and fertilizer plant already use Japanese equipment. With Japan’s focus on innovation, there are significant opportunities for collaboration. For instance, our cement plant laboratory is managed by robots, reflecting our embrace of advanced technology,” he noted.
The Dangote Petrochemical project, he explained, will spur downstream industrial investment, generate employment, boost tax revenues, reduce foreign exchange outflows, and significantly contribute to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Speaking on behalf of the Japanese delegation, the Managing Director of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), Takashi Oku, commended the refinery as a symbol of Nigeria’s technological progress. “The Dangote Refinery stands as a remarkable achievement, positioning Nigeria as a gateway to Africa. Seeing it in person is awe-inspiring; it showcases Nigeria’s growth in both population and technological capability,” Oku remarked.
Similarly, Masahiro Tsuno, Managing Director of Itochu Nigeria Limited, praised the scale and automation of the refinery, describing it as “a miracle and one of the wonders of the world.” Tsuno expressed interest in exploring collaboration in sectors such as polypropylene and other petroleum products.
The Dangote Refinery continues to reinforce Nigeria’s position as a leader in Africa’s energy and industrial sectors, creating a platform for global partnerships and economic growth.
