The Federal Government has hailed the commencement of petroleum product lifting from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, describing it as a significant step towards national industrialisation and self-sufficiency in refining.
Mr Anthony Chiejina, Head, of Communications, Dangote Group, in a statement, said that trucks from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (NNPCL) had begun transporting petrol from the refinery located in Ibeju-Lekki, on Sunday in Lagos.
Leading the government delegation, Mr Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, also described the development as a landmark moment that revitalises Nigerians’ confidence in domestic industrialisation and refining capabilities.
“This marks Nigeria’s return to local refining and supply of petroleum products, a significant milestone after decades of import reliance,” Edun said.
The minister, accompanied by Dr Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and Chairman of the Technical Sub-Committee on Naira-based crude sales to local refineries, said that this initiative would ensure Nigeria’s energy security and independence.
He highlighted the benefit of alleviating persistent fuel scarcity and long queues at gas stations, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of adding value to raw materials before export.
Edun further acknowledged Tinubu’s role in establishing the free trade zone concept during his tenure as Lagos State governor.
“This achievement strengthens Nigeria’s energy security and supports the government’s policy of promoting domestic investment.
“President Tinubu’s vision was to ensure no raw material leaves Nigeria without added value. I commend President Tinubu for facilitating the supply of crude to local refineries in naira and for his role in this achievement,” he added.
Edun also commended Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Ltd., and his team for restoring Nigeria’s position as a producer of refined products, nearly three decades after the country ceased local refining.
He commended Dangote’s patriotism and unwavering commitment to bringing the refinery project to fruition despite initial doubts. (NAN)
