Dangote Refinery Is Setting New Standards For Cleaner Fuels In Nigeria

By Naija Enquirer Staff

The Managing Director of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals (DPRP), Mr. David Bird, has disclosed that the Dangote Refinery is not designed like conventional Nigerian refineries, but rather follows a European and Asian merchant refinery model, making it a world-class facility built on hybrid automation and international best practice standards.

Bird made the disclosure during a media parley and facility tour of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals complex located at the Free Trade Zone (FTZ), Lagos.

Dangote Refinery Built On Global Merchant Refinery Standards

According to Bird, the Dangote Refinery is a state-of-the-art refining and blending configuration designed to meet modern fuel quality requirements, describing it as a unique hybrid of United States, European, and Asian merchant refinery models.

“Dangote Refinery was not like any other. It is a hybrid of United States, European and Asian Merchant refinery models in Nigeria,” Bird said.

He noted that the refinery operates under strict international standards and is structured to become one of the largest and best refineries in the world.

Resetting Africa’s Fuel Quality Standards

Bird explained that West Africa has for decades been a preferred destination for inferior and substandard petroleum products shipped in by foreign suppliers.

He stated that the entry of Dangote Petroleum Refinery is set to reset the petroleum product distribution and supply standard across Africa and beyond.

“Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals is setting new standards for cleaner fuels in Africa in both short-term and long-term,” Bird said.

Prioritising Local Demand While Expanding Export Capacity

The Dangote Refinery MD emphasized that the company’s first priority remains meeting local fuel demand in Nigeria, with a commitment to ensuring that fuel queues become a thing of the past.

He added that the refinery is also positioning itself strongly for export markets and is sourcing crude supply to ensure uninterrupted operations.

Bird disclosed that the refinery sources about 25 crude stocks, with Nigerian crude accounting for about 65 percent of total supply, while foreign crude sources make up the remaining 35 percent.

Dangote Producing Cleaner Fuels Aligned With International Standards

Bird stressed that Dangote Refinery produces high-quality fuels that align with global environmental and health standards, debunking rumours suggesting otherwise.

He insisted that the refinery cannot compromise quality standards because it operates as an internationally certified facility.

“Dangote produces high quality fuels which are aligned with international environmental and health standards,” he said.

Refinery Operations Ending Seasonal Petrol Scarcity

Bird noted that Dangote Refinery has helped address Nigeria’s long-standing pattern of petrol scarcity, particularly during festive seasons, by maintaining constant supply of petroleum products since operations commenced.

He also highlighted that the facility has the capacity to distribute products through both sea and land logistics channels, while still maintaining the highest quality standards.

Self-Sustaining Power Generation At 500MW

Bird revealed that Dangote Refinery and its fertilizer subsidiary generate their energy internally through alternative energy sources including steam and gas turbines.

He said the internally sourced power capacity currently stands at about 500 megawatts, supporting production and operational stability.

Expansion Plans Under Vision 2030

Bird further stated that Dangote Group is focused on growth and expansion through its Vision 2030 strategy.

He disclosed plans to expand the company’s port infrastructure located near the refinery, to accommodate more ships from Brazil and other countries bringing raw materials, as well as to increase export capacity for fertilizer products.

Beyond Petrol: Multiple Petroleum and Intermediate Products

Bird explained that the refinery is not limited to producing petrol alone, but also generates several downstream and intermediate products.

These include diesel, kerosene, Jet A1, gas, and other petroleum derivatives produced through its advanced refining process.

“Dangote Refinery is not a single trade entity, apart from petroleum we have other intermediate products from our production process,” he said.

Dangote Calls For Stakeholder Support

Speaking on the impact of the refinery, Dangote Group’s Branding and Communications Manager, Mr. Tony Chiejina, said fuel scarcity has been a recurring problem in Nigeria since his formative years in 1975.

He stated that Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals was built with Nigeria’s interest at heart and urged stakeholders to support the refinery’s objectives, especially in strengthening the downstream oil and gas sector.

Chiejina described the refinery as a major step toward ending the cycle of fuel shortages and improving Nigeria’s petroleum product self-sufficiency.