As 2nd phase set to begins
Will also not import gasoline 4-5 weeks from now
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Africa’s richest person, Alhaji Aliko Ɗangote, has announced that Nigeria will cease importing petrol by June 2024..
Speaking at the ‘Africa CEO Forum Annual Summit’ in Kigali, capital of Rwanda, Dangote revealed that his refinery will commence production next month, to meet Nigeria’s petrol needs and eliminating the need for imports.
He said, “Right now, Nigeria has no cause to import anything apart from gasoline and by sometime in June, within the next four or five weeks, Nigeria shouldn’t import anything like gasoline; not one drop of litre”.
“The refinery will also produce diesel, aviation fuel, and other essential products, making Africa self-sufficient in these commodities.
“With a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the refinery will meet the demands of West Africa and beyond”, he emphasised.
Ɗangote emphasised that the refinery will not only focus on petroleum products but also produce polypropylene, polyethylene, base oil, and linear benzyl, raw materials essential for producing detergents and other products.
This, he said, will reduce Africa’s reliance on imports and make the continent self-sufficient in these critical products.
Ɗangote expressed his optimism that within three to four years, Africa will no longer need to import fertilizers, as his refinery will produce urea, potash, and phosphate, meeting the continent’s needs.
The refinery’s second phase is set to begin early next year, further expanding its operations and impact on Africa’s energy landscape
