By Nworisa Michael
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has assured Nigerians of sustained supply of high-quality fuel, declaring that fuel scarcity associated with subsidy dependence is now a thing of the past.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Refinery, Mr. David Bird, said the facility is producing premium petrol that meets Euro V international standards, positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the global energy market.
According to Bird, the refinery’s advanced design and operational flexibility allow it to maintain high output levels even during routine maintenance, ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply nationwide.
“Dangote Refinery is delivering world-class fuels to Nigerians. The fact that our products are export-grade with petrol supplied to Europe and aviation fuel to the Middle East demonstrates the quality and global competitiveness of what we produce,” he said.
He noted that the refinery currently operates a 24-hour loading system capable of evacuating more than 1,000 trucks daily, enabling efficient nationwide distribution. At peak periods, daily fuel evacuation has exceeded 52 million litres, reflecting growing domestic demand.
Bird explained that increased local refining capacity has significantly reduced Nigeria’s exposure to volatility in international fuel markets, helping to stabilise pump prices despite fluctuations in global crude oil prices. He added that the crude-for-naira arrangement has further helped conserve foreign exchange and support the stability of the naira.
Looking ahead, the Dangote Refinery boss revealed plans for major expansion within the next three years, alongside investments in petrochemical products such as polypropylene, base oils and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
He also disclosed that preparations are underway to list part of the refinery on the Nigerian Exchange, a move that would allow Nigerians to directly participate in the ownership of the multi-billion-dollar facility.
Describing the refinery as a transformative national asset, Bird said the project is reshaping Nigeria’s industrial and economic landscape.
“This is a continent-building investment. What has been achieved here has the potential to turn this part of Lagos into a world-scale industrial hub,” he stated.
Bird attributed the refinery’s performance to its unique infrastructure and the long-term vision of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, founder of the Dangote Group, noting that the facility operates not just as a refinery but as a full merchant refining, blending and trading platform with the flexibility to process various crude grades.