The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has announced that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, on which the nation’s hope for fuel sufficiency is based, is now 97% complete.
Following the visit of officials from the refinery to its office, the agency also praised the work done on the project.
The refinery, which has an installed capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is expected to double the total output of Nigeria’s ailing refining infrastructure and meet 100 percent of the Nigerian demand for all refined products. It will begin pumping fuel soon, according to the agency.
The NMDPRA made this disclosure in Abuja when representatives of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery visited Abuja to present the work plan for the facility for 2022/2023 as the regulatory agency for the sector.
The successful completion of Africa’s biggest petroleum refinery and the world’s largest single-train facility is expected to have a significant impact on Nigeria’s foreign exchange through import substitution and substantial savings in earnings.
It is expected that once the refinery commences production, the pressure on the nation’s currency will reduce and a significant inflow of forex is expected to come in through sales from the refinery.
On completion of the refinery, it is estimated that Nigeria will import zero petroleum oil products—down from approximately $50 billion in current oil product imports per year.
The NMDPRA said: “Today, representatives of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals presented their 2022/2023 work plan to the Authority, which showed that the refinery project is estimated to be at 97 percent completion.
“Dangote Oil Refinery is a 650,000 barrels per day integrated refinery project under construction in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos.
“It is expected to be Africa’s biggest oil refinery and the world’s biggest single-train facility.”
The NMDPRA’s Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed, reiterated the importance of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to the country while assuring that the Authority will give all necessary support to ensure timely completion and kick-start operations.
Speaking on the refinery project, Group Executive Director, Strategy, Portfolio Development, and Capital Projects, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, said the refinery would stimulate economic development in Nigeria, adding that it could meet 100 per cent of the Nigerian requirement for all liquid products: gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and aviation jet fuel, and also have a surplus of each of these products for export.
“The high volume of petrol output from the refinery would transform Nigeria from a petrol import-dependent country to an exporter of refined petroleum products,” he stated, adding that the refinery would produce Euro-V quality gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, kerosene and polypropylene for local consumption and also have a surplus of each of the products for export.
On employment generation, he disclosed that over 30,000 people are currently working at petroleum refinery project sites through various contractors, noting that when operational, the refinery will generate over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs for youths.
On local content development, Edwin said the company had trained over 600 artisans selected from the host communities in the areas of masonry, AC electricians, plumbing, welding, iron bending, and auto mechanics.
According to the company, the refinery design meets World Bank, US, US Environmental Protection Agency, European Union, and Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority standards.
The refinery has its own dedicated steam and power generation systems with adequate standby units for reliable and uninterrupted utility supply to operating plants.
There are 435 power plants in the refinery.
Edwin added, “It also has a self-sufficient marine facility with the ability for freight optimization; the largest single order of five SPMs anywhere in the world; crude SPM for unloading ships up to ULCCs; three product SPM for product exports up to Suez Max vessels; and 2 X 48’ subsea crude pipelines with interconnection”.
For the purpose of handling liquid cargoes, Dangote Industries has developed a port and built quays with a 25-ton-per-square-meter loading bearing capacity. This allows them to bring over dimensional cargo close to the site.
The refinery is 12.3 kilometers away from the jetty, which significantly cuts down on travel time.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery upholds high standards for all of its business practices, placing a high value on employee rights, health, safety, and the environment. It also complies with all local and international laws that may be relevant, and it is a dedicated partner to the environment, communities, and governments.
