The commendation followed the successful completion by the Dangote Cement, Obajana Plant in Kogi State, of the Integrated Management System, IMS, Certification Audit, conducted by expert auditors from the SON.

The comprehensive IMS Certification Audit comprising of Stages 1 and 2 carried out by seasoned auditors from the Agency assessed the plant’s compliance with quality, environmental, and occupational health and safety standards and lasted for over a week period.

The SON expert Auditors led by Ijeoma Nkechi Ohaemesi highlighted the company’s outstanding contributions to industrial growth and praised its management for maintaining an unwavering commitment to excellence.

According to them, Dangote Cement’s continuous drive for improvement across all operational processes sets a benchmark for quality and innovation within the industry.

ISO System Coordinator for Dangote Group, Sani Mikail, explained that the establishment of ISO Management system in Dangote Cement Plc, across all its plants was approved by the President and Chief executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, under the guidance of the Group Vice-President, (Oil & Gas), Mr. Devakumar Edwin.

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He explained that the ISO Management System implementation and sustenance in the Dangote Group had recorded successes over time with valued added opportunity across the Processes and System in Dangote Cement Plants since 2010.

The Obajana Plant Director, Mr. Azad Nawabuddin, a strong advocate of the System, said the IMS had brought immense benefits to the company, particularly in facilitating the continual improvement of its processes.

In his own comment, the Company’s Representative, Kommineni Suresh, lauded the achievement, noting that Dangote Cement Obajana had set the pace in the industry noting “DCP Obajana is one of the first cement factories in Nigeria to attain the IMS certification,” Mr. Suresh said.

Explaining the processes leading to the certification of the Obajana plant, the Team Lead of the SON auditors, Mrs. Ijeoma Ohaemesi, applauded Dangote Cement Plc’s management for its commitment to excellence and the strive for continual improvement in all its processes and operations.

According to her, the audit certification process aims to foster deeper alignment with the Management System Standards.

The Obajana Plant’s IMS Team Lead, Akindele Temitope, highlighted that dedication commitment and teamwork made the plant to achieve the feat.

“This was only possible through management’s commitment and everyone’s dedication to this cause,” she said adding that the certification would further enhance compliance, quality, safety, and improve communication and business focus.

“With this milestone, DCP Obajana reaffirms its position as an industry leader committed to excellence, sustainability, and global best practices,” Temitope declared.

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, was the federal government agency responsible for setting and enforcing quality standards for products and services in Nigeria.

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The refinery resorted to crude importation as local supply challenges hindered the new $20bn refinery’s push to reach full refining capacity.

Recall that the refinery plans to reach its 650,000 barrels per day capacity in June this year.

However, low local crude supply from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited is currently a challenge to this plan to ramp up daily production.

The 12 million barrels of crude has already left the United States and will land in Nigeria next month, according to the news from African Report.

“About 12 million barrels of crude have departed the US and should arrive in Nigeria by February,” an insider source told The Africa Report.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery is said to be importing more crude oil as supply from the NNPC becomes insufficient for fuel production at the $20bn Lekki-based facility.

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Officials at the plant said the facility has ramped up production to about 500,000 barrels per day, with the target of hitting the 650,000bpd mark by June this year.

The NNPC is reportedly struggling to supply 350,000bpd to the Dangote refinery from the 450,000bpd crude meant for Nigeria’s local consumption.

With its current production capacity of 500,000bpd, officials said there is a need to look beyond the shores of Nigeria for the feedstock.

It was said that the feedstock needed by the refinery daily cannot be solely supplied by the state-owned oil company, NNPC.

Recall that in July, President Tinubu ordered the NNPC to sell crude oil to local refineries in naira.

According to the crude oil production forecast of producing oil companies and the refining requirement of functional refineries in Nigeria signed by the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, the Dangote refinery would require 550,000 barrels of a blend of Nigerian crude oil daily, 17.05 million barrels monthly, and 99.55 million barrels between January and June 2025.

The Dangote refinery is already building eight more tanks to store imported crude.

The facility is planning to stockpile imported crude oil as local supplies become unreliable.

Officials of the refinery were quoted as saying that low crude supply from the NNPC “is driving import dependence.”

The building of eight additional tanks will see crude storage capacity at the refinery jump by 41.67 per cent to 3.4 billion litres.

“Importing crude from other countries instead of buying locally means that our crude stockpiles will have to be higher,” the Vice President in charge of the oil and gas business at Dangote Industries, Devakumar Edwin, was quoted as having said recently.

In May 2024, the refinery reportedly issued a term tender for the purchase of two million barrels of West Texas Intermediate Midland crude monthly for 12 months starting in July last year, amounting to 24 million barrels of crude in one year.

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In addition, the company donated 804 tables and chairs to secondary schools in their host communities of Ibeju-Lekki.

Students, parents, teachers, and community leaders expressed their immense joy as the scholarship certificates were presented to the beneficiaries, alongside educational materials, including textbooks and notebooks, as part of the fifth edition of the Dangote Scholarship Award Programme.

Group Vice President of Oil & Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, remarked that the event symbolised a shared vision—a partnership between Dangote Industries and the host communities, designed to build a foundation for sustained growth, one that is rooted in education, innovation, and opportunity.

He further emphasised that the initiative was not merely a celebration of achievements but a reaffirmation of the group’s commitment to nurturing potential, empowering communities, and shaping a brighter future for the leaders of tomorrow.

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“Education, as we all know, is the passport to the future. At Dangote, we believe that education is not just a privilege but a right that every child deserves. This belief has fuelled our dedication to supporting students and schools in our host communities since the year 2019 when we launched the Scholarship Award Programme as a key pillar of our Community Development Plan, with year-on-year progress,” he said.

Praising the students for their academic dedication, which he acknowledged had resulted in remarkable growth over the years, Edwin highlighted the impressive year-on-year progress—from 56 students in 2019 to 450 beneficiaries in 2024.

He stated that the company was deeply inspired by their determination and was confident that the resources provided would empower them to realise their dreams.

He also noted that the decision to donate the 804 tables and chairs to schools was part of the company’s broader commitment to enhancing the learning environment.

The gesture, he emphasised, was a testament to the company’s dedication to ensuring that every child had access to a conducive environment for learning, where they could grow, dream, and thrive.

“To the scholars here today, you are at the heart of our initiatives. Your dreams, aspirations, and hard work inspire us to continue making a difference. As you embark on your academic journeys, remember that the support you receive today is a seed sown in fertile ground. Nurture it with dedication, perseverance, and a spirit of excellence, and it will yield remarkable fruits in your future.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our community leaders, dedicated school administrators who work tirelessly to ensure the success of these initiatives. Your partnership and support are invaluable, and we are honoured to work alongside you in empowering the next generation,” he added.

The Managing Director of Dangote Industries Free Zone Development Company, DIFZDC, Olayinka Akande, urged the beneficiaries to uphold excellence, which he identified as one of the core values of Dangote Industries Limited.

Emphasising the importance of dedication and diligence, he encouraged the students to aim high, noting that with such attributes, some of them could rise to become governors, ministers, captains of industry, or even the next ‘Edwin’ in the future.

The Head of Social Performance at Dangote Petroleum & Petrochemicals, Ogunleye Mojisola, highlighted that the education intervention was one of the four pillars of the Community Development Plan, which was jointly designed with the community.

Reflecting on the scheme’s success since its inception in 2019, Ogunleye expressed gratitude to the management for consistently providing the necessary resources to sustain the programme.

“The increase in the number of beneficiaries each year is a clear indication that the initiative is fulfilling its purpose, motivating students to study hard and achieve academic excellence,” she remarked.

The Aro of Lekki Kingdom, Chief Adewale Salami, who represented the Oni of Lekki, conveyed his appreciation for the intervention, affirming that the company was helping to shape the future of the community.

He also expressed the kingdom’s continued support for Dangote Industries Limited.

The Chairman of the Lekki Coastal Area Development Association, Alhaji Wasiu Ayeola, praised the founder and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, for transforming what was once a hunting ground of rabbits and lizards into a multibillion-dollar investment that benefits not only the local community and Lagos but also Nigeria and the world.

He emphasised that education was the most effective way to shape the future of the community.

Several beneficiaries, including Atibere Peter from Lagos State University, Dauda Omolara from Community Senior High School, Magbon Segun, and Ganiu Ayomide from Community Senior High School, Akodo, among others, expressed their heartfelt gratitude. They noted that the scholarship and support would motivate them to study harder and alleviate the financial burden on their parents and guardians.

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Professor Madunagu, who passed away on November 26, 2024, will be laid to rest on Friday, January 17, 2025.

In a statement signed by Prof. Biodun Jeyifo, the funeral planning committee noted that the service would be preceded by a celebration of her life on January 16, 2025.

This event will feature a feminist forum, a funeral conference, cultural performances, and tributes from comrades, friends, and well-wishers, all reflecting her significant contributions to Nigeria’s intellectual and social movements.

Born Benedicta Afangide on March 21, 1947, in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Professor Madunagu was the daughter of Chief Michael Afangide and Madam Angelica Afangide.

She received her education at the University of Lagos and the University of Ibadan before becoming an assistant lecturer at the University of Lagos.

In 1976, she moved to the University of Calabar, where she became a Professor of Botany and a revered mentor to generations of students.

Madunagu’s legacy is also deeply tied to her activism.

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In 1978, she and her husband, Dr. Edwin Madunagu, were dismissed from their academic positions during a nationwide student protest against the commercialisation of education under the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo.

The protest, known as “Ali Must Go,” led to widespread student unrest and eventually the reinstatement of the Madunagus and other affected scholars under the government of President Shehu Shagari.

Throughout her career, Professor Madunagu was a prominent member of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, where she made history as the first female chairperson of the University of Calabar branch.

She was also an active member of several scientific organisations, including the Botanical Society of Nigeria, the Science Association of Nigeria, and the Association of African Women for Research and Development.

Her commitment to progressive causes was central to her involvement in building a strong socialist and feminist movement in Nigeria.

She played a key role in the establishment of Women in Nigeria, WIN, and served as the Chairperson of the Girls’ Power Initiative, GPI, an organisation focused on the health and empowerment of girls and women.

Throughout her life, Professor Madunagu received numerous accolades, including the “Erudite Scholar and Advocate of Equality and Girl Child Rights” award from Cross River State in 2005, as well as recognition from the Centre for Reproductive Rights at the University of California.

She was also a Fellow of the prestigious MacArthur Foundation.

Professor Madunagu is survived by her husband, Comrade Edwin Madunagu, their children -Mrs. Unoma Madunagu-Agrinya, Ikenna Madunagu, and Michael Madunagu – and countless comrades within the Nigerian Left.

The funeral planning committee, led by Prof. Biodun Jeyifo, invites all those whose lives were touched by her legacy to join in celebrating her life’s work and contributions

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This accolade was shared by a delegation from the Japanese Business Community in Nigeria, led by Japan’s Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo.

The Dangote Group also reiterated that its petroleum products were in demand worldwide, as it expands its polypropylene section to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported polypropylene, a crucial material used in packaging, textiles, and the automotive manufacturing industries.

The Japanese delegation, which toured the impressive facilities housing both the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as well as Dangote Fertilisers, commended the state-of-the-art technology on display, noting that it reinforced Nigeria’s role as the gateway to Africa.

Managing Director of the Japan External Trade Organisation, JETRO, Takashi Oku, remarked that while Nigeria remained the gateway to Africa, the Dangote Refinery stood as a remarkable project that showcased the country’s technological progress.

He added that the facility, as the world’s largest single-train refinery, was a point of immense pride for Nigeria.

JETRO is Japan’s governmental organisation for trade and investment.

“We had heard about the excellence of the Dangote Refinery through the media but seeing it in person has left us truly amazed by its vastness and grandeur. It demonstrates that Nigeria’s population is not only growing but also advancing in technology. We are keen to collaborate with Nigerian companies, especially Dangote Refinery,” he said.

Emphasising that the refinery had bolstered Nigeria’s leading position in Africa, he further noted that the facility served as an ideal introduction to the country for the global community.

Managing Director of Itochu Nigeria Limited, Masahiro Tsuno, also praised the sheer size and automation of the Dangote Refinery, calling it a miracle and one of the wonders of the world.

“I’ve seen many standalone refineries across the globe, including in Vietnam and the Middle East. However, this size of a refinery built by one single investor is probably a miracle in the world. And I’m just actually witnessing a miracle, to be honest, today,” he said.

Tsuno indicated that his company would seek collaboration with the refinery across various sectors, including polypropylene and other petroleum products.

Commending the ambassador-designate and his team, which described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a wonder of modern technology, Vice President of Oil and Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, explained that the facility was the vision of a Nigerian investor- Aliko Dangote, designed and built by Nigerians, and intended to serve the global market.

He said that it was a point of pride that a Nigerian company not only designed but also built the world’s largest single-train refinery complex.

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Dangote Industries Limited, a Nigerian company, acted as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor for the refinery.

In the process, cutting-edge technologies from around the world were incorporated to ensure that the facility meets the highest standards.

Edwin assured the ambassador-designate and the delegation that the company was open to collaboration, always striving to maintain the best possible standards.

“Even now, we have a lot of Japanese equipment inside both the refinery and the fertiliser plant. There are significant opportunities for collaboration, as we always seek the latest technology in any business we engage in. For instance, our cement plant laboratory is managed by robots, and we always embrace advanced technology. With Japan’s focus on technological innovation, there is ample scope for cooperation and for supplying various types of technology,” he said.

Edwin also stated that the Dangote Petrochemical project would significantly boost investment in downstream industries, creating substantial value, generating employment, increasing tax revenues, reducing foreign exchange outflows, and contributing to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP.

He confirmed that products from the refinery meet international standards and are already being exported globally.

“In recent weeks, we’ve exported petrol to Cameroon, Ghana, Angola, and South Africa among others. Diesel has gone all over the world, and jet fuel is being heavily exported to European markets. Our products are already making their mark internationally,” he said.

He further added that by leveraging Africa’s vast crude oil resources to produce refined products locally, the Dangote Group aimed to create a virtuous cycle of industrial development, job creation, and economic prosperity.

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Dangote Group was recognised under the Visible Impact Award for Resilience & Entrepreneurship; Dangote Cement won the Sectoral Excellence Award in the Chemical and Non-Metallic Products category, while the 650,000bpd capacity world’s largest single train refinery, Dangote Refinery won the Groundbreaking Investment award.

Basking in the euphoria of the recognitions, Dangote Industries Limited’s Vice-President, Oil and Gas, Mr. Devakumar Edwin, who was on ground to receive the awards described them as reflecting the values of Dangote Group and its subsidiaries as top employers of labour showing resilience in the face of tough business operating environment.

He said the award would only spur the management of Dangote to continue in the trajectory of the fine best global best practices in business with more investments in the task of rejuvenating the nation’s economy.

In the same vein, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and her counterpart in Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), were recipients of the “Visible Impact in Public Service Award.”

This year’s awards, dubbed “Defying the odds”, NECA said, was geared towards promoting and encouraging best practices in Corporate Performance, People Management and Industrial Relations practices amongst employers in Nigeria.

That, it explained, was in a bid to celebrate outstanding contributions of enterprise to national development, noting that the award provided a platform for celebrating the resilience, doggedness and outstanding performance of employers in Nigeria.

In his welcome address, President of NECA, Dr. Ifeanyi Eric Okoye, noted that the award ceremony was to celebrate the excellence, resilience, innovation and unwavering commitment demonstrated by businesses across the various sectors of the Nigerian economy in 2024.

He said the Awards’ theme, “Defying the Odds,” reflected the indomitable spirit of the Nigerian enterprises that had consistently risen to the challenges posed by the dynamic and demanding local and global economic landscape.

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Said he, “This annual ceremony is a testament to remarkable progress made by organisations that share our vision of a thriving private sector as the bedrock of national development. Over the years, the NECA’s Excellence Award has become a hallmark of prestige highlighting organisations that exemplify best practices in corporate governance, industrial relations and environmental sustainability.

“Our honours tonight do not only serve as a beacon of hope, and a reminder that in the face of adversities excellence is achievable, it is also an opportunity to increase visibility by highlighting their achievements and innovations to a wider audience.

“As we celebrate tonight, let us not only celebrate the achievements of the award recipients; let also celebrate all businesses here present and those that have left in the past few years and recommit ourselves to fostering innovation, inclusivity and resilience in all that we do. Together we can build a future where Nigerian enterprises thrive as global leaders.”

Also speaking, the Director General of NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, explained that the awards were a statement that, irrespective of the challenges the private sector employers have been facing “since January till now, there is time for all of us to sit down and just breathe and celebrate the resilience, doggedness, innovations your businesses were able to bring on-board and their contributions to national development.”

Oyerinde stated further: “So, we are gathered this evening to celebrate your businesses, contribution and support to NECA. We have broken away from the traditional issues of labour and employment that you know us with and are now dealing with all fundamental issues that affect your businesses either now or in the future like Environmental, Social and Governance in sustainability issues.

“We are also deepening our collaboration with CIPE moving into the realms of ethics with emphasis on doing business correctly. We are also deepening our engagements with the International Labour Organisation, ILO, in the context of responsible business conduct for our members to operate responsibly within the context of the law.

“This strengthens our hands to advocate against unfavourable business regulations that see businesses as cash cows rather than agents of national development.”

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Head of Service, Lagos State, Mr. Shuaheeb Agoro, commended NECA for its remarkable legacy of championing enterprise, competitiveness, responsible business practices and industrial harmony describing the award as another remarkable way of motivating employers in the private sector.

Sanwo-Olu said, “This year’s theme could not to be more apt as it speaks to the determination that Nigerian employers have continued to demonstrate in overcoming challenges to sustain businesses, create jobs and drive national development. This resilience is a reflection of enduring entrepreneurial spirit that defines our great nation.”

The governor pointed out that the award inspired the culture of best practices in corporate governance, industrial relations, environmental sustainability and responsible business conduct.

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When the news broke last week that an agreement was now in place that would see to NNPCL loading petrol from the Dangote Refinery, it came with a mix of joy and relief for some of us. Whereas the question of pricing was dominant in public discourse at the time, I didn’t think it was that important an issue, as it was obvious that given the fact that the price from Dangote was going to be above the current retail price, leaving the government with the options of either approving a special FX rate, having crude sold at a discount or pushing the burden onto NNPCL to continue to carry the burden, either way subsidy built in, to be able to maintain the current price regime.

That was the backdrop to yesterday when trucks from NNPCL lined up at the Dangote Gantry to load petrol. At the event, Arise TV Reporter, Tokunbo Oyetunji, had a live interview with Devakumar Edwin, Dangote’s Vice President, Oil and Gas on a range of issues. All had gone well with the interview until Oyetunji raised the issue of the price at which petrol was sold to NNPCL. A voice from the background pushed against that line of questioning, stopping Devakumar Edwin from responding to the question. The Reporter was forced to move on to another question.

That was quite strange, given what had been playing out in the public space, with all sorts of speculation about the price petrol was expected to sell, following the commencement of production by the Dangote Refinery. Earlier in the day, Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, had debunked different claims in the media that the company bought Petrol from Dangote at N1,300 or N760. He said, “We successfully loaded PMS at the Dangote Refinery today. The claim that we purchased it at N1,300 per litre or N760 is incorrect. For this initial loading, the price from the refinery was N898 per litre. The price is determined by market forces. It’s a deregulated market. I can also confirm, in response to inquiries, that we will receive 16.8 million litres.”

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So, with heightened public interest in the matter and conflicting claims being bandied, Journalists were eager to have clarification from Dangote Refinery. It thus came as a surprise that the company chose to pass on the opportunity offered to set the records straight. Even stranger was the statement that came from Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer at Dangote Refinery, later in the day which he said was in response to the claim attributed to “NNPCL spokesperson, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, that we sell our PMS at N898 per litre to NNPCL”. The claim, he said, was misleading and mischievous. But the statement only stopped at disputing the claims, it fell short of stating the price at which the product was sold to NNPCL.

Dangote Refinery will do well to be more transparent so that Nigerians can fully benefit from the advent of local refining of crude oil, not only in terms of the availability of products but also affordability.

That must have prompted the decision by NNPCL to release a statement today, doubling down on its original claim and sharing with the public the “estimated prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as Petrol (obtained from the Dangote Refinery) in its retail stations across the country”.

NNPCL made it clear that “in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), PMS prices are not set by Government, but negotiated directly between parties on an arm’s length”. It also made the confirmation that it is paying Dangote Refinery in USD for September 2024 PMS offtake, as Naira transactions will only commence on October 1st, 2024 while assuring the public that in case of a dispute over the quoted pricing, it will be grateful to pass on in full any discount that might come from the Dangote Refinery to the general public.

The statement from NNPCL is categorical and affirmative, firmly putting the ball back in the court of Dangote Refinery. It is interesting and commendable that this level of transparency is on display by NNPCL which is widely criticised for opacity in its operations. Truth be told, while that accusation might hold for NNPC in the past, the level of transparency that the Company has displayed in the last few years, releasing its Annual Reports and audited statement of Accounts from time to time is there to see. That has drawn commendation from agencies and other organisations that monitor the industry.

Some have said that Dangote does not owe anyone an announcement of its price, as it is not a public company.  Some have introduced the red herring of NNPCL not delivering on its refineries. Can we not have each conversation within its context? What has putting evidence out to support your claim, as a seller, that the price put out by a buyer is misleading got to do with its refineries presently undergoing rehabilitation not functioning?

While it is legitimate to criticise the NNPCL for not delivering on its refineries on schedule, sight might have been lost of the peculiarities and challenges that came with the task of rehabilitation, which many confused with Turn-around-maintenance, during the COVID and the immediate post-Covid period, which have led to difficulties with meeting up with schedule by the Contractors. The same factors were largely responsible for the shifting in the date of commissioning by the Dangote Refinery at different times. Biodun Sowumi, an Energy Expert, who spoke on the matter this morning assured that the time lag between mechanical commissioning and commencement of production, as seen with the Port Harcourt Refinery, is not unusual.

On the issue at hand, NNPCL has done well laying down the marker in terms of transparency, one can only hope that Dangote Refinery will take a leaf from that and open up its pricing template so that Nigerians can come to a full understanding of what is going on in the industry. Over the years, NNPCL has become a beast of burden for Nigeria, taking responsibility for subsidy or under-recovery to ensure that there is energy security. If the Company is allowed to function fully as contemplated under the Petroleum Industry Act, and it can sell products at market-reflective prices, a lot of the burden it has carried will be lifted off its back. The Company will be able to engage more productively in the upstream sector, greater transparency will ensue, and the industry and the country will be better for it. Dangote Refinery will do well to be more transparent so that Nigerians can fully benefit from the advent of local refining of crude oil, not only in terms of the availability of products but also affordability.

*Suleiman Adamu writes from Lagos.

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Describing the establishment of the refinery as both nationalistic and patriotic endeavour, the umbrella professional association of lawyers, urged the federal government and Nigerians to support the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to end the reign of fuel scarcity and perennial queues at filling stations in the country.

It expressed disappointment that the major project was encountering strong resistance from fuel importers, who had stifled the economy and kept it reliant on imported refined petroleum products, despite Nigeria’s status as a leading crude oil producer.

The President of NBA, Yakubu Maikyau, who led other leaders and members of the association on a visit to the facility, praised the President/Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, for remaining steadfast despite the opposition faced.

“What I have seen today gladdens my heart, but at the same time, my heart is bleeding because of the neglect and opposition that such a laudable effort is facing. It is shameful, but as I mentioned to the president of the group, his continued steadfastness and resilience despite the opposition show that there is hope for this country. I would describe Aliko Dangote as both a freedom fighter and an economic warrior. There is no one more honourable or patriotic than Dangote. He has proven this through his actions, not just words. This isn’t about what someone might tell you; we have witnessed the enormous investments he has made in this country,” he said.

He urged the federal government to create a supportive environment for the refinery, aiming to transform Nigeria into a net exporter of refined petroleum products and to alleviate the severe hardships caused by fuel scarcity.

He lamented that it was shameful for the refinery to import crude from abroad and export refined products due to opposition from local players.

“I want to use this opportunity to call on the federal government to pay deliberate and conscious attention to what Dangote is doing. Anyone serious about turning around the fortunes of this country cannot ignore Dangote’s efforts. This is a people-centered investment that must be supported. This is the type of investment we need, and wherever such investments exist in this country, we urge the government to create an enabling environment for the benefit of the people. If we establish a supportive environment for this refinery to operate, we will eliminate the queues on our streets and resolve the difficulties associated with the scarcity of petroleum products. However, we will need the government to demonstrate a willingness to support this crucial venture. We have a facility here that can compete with the best in the world, but unfortunately, it is not receiving the support and recognition it deserves. It is disgraceful that with a refinery of this capacity, where 86 tankers can be loaded at once, we still face fuel shortages,” he added.

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Vice Chairman of the Epe Branch of the NBA, Ivo Takor, who praised the location of the refinery in the Ibeju-Lekki-Epe axis, said that the project had the potential to resolve the long-standing issue of fuel importation, create jobs, boost foreign exchange, and save the country money currently spent on subsidising petroleum products.

“The refinery is something every Nigerian should be proud of. It is a project that will move Nigeria away from its long-standing issue of fuel importation, which comes with its own set of problems. Currently, we are dealing with fuel scarcity and long queues. I believe that once this refinery is fully operational, these challenges will be resolved. Additionally, the refinery has the capacity to export some of its products, bringing foreign exchange into the economy. It will also reduce the government’s expenditure on subsidies, allowing funds to be redirected towards improving infrastructure, education, and the health sector. Since its construction, many jobs have been created, and further job creation will follow when it becomes fully operational,” he said.

He, however, noted that despite these benefits, there are some entrenched cartels against the full operation of the refinery.

While praising President Bola Tinubu for directing the supply of crude to both the refinery and modular refineries across the country, he emphasised the need for stringent monitoring to ensure compliance.

He stressed that withholding crude from the refinery constitutes sabotage against the nation and should be met with appropriate sanctions.

“Unfortunately, it appears that there is a well-established cartel working against the full operation of this refinery, specifically those who do not want to supply it with crude oil. It is illogical for Nigeria to export crude oil while the refinery also imports crude. This situation reflects the interests of entrenched forces who benefit from fuel importation, which negatively impacts the people and the economy. Fortunately, the president has issued a directive regarding the supply of crude to the refinery. However, beyond this directive, it is crucial to ensure compliance. Those who do not comply should face adequate sanctions, as failure to do so constitutes sabotage not only against the refinery but against the economy as well,” he said.

The Vice President (Oil & Gas) at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, informed the delegates, that the refinery was established primarily to source and refine local crudes for the benefit of Nigeria, while also exporting excess production to boost the economy.

Edwin noted that the lack of sufficient Nigerian crude supplies has necessitated importing crude from other countries and continents while exporting refined petroleum products abroad.

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OPEC in its newly released monthly Oil Market Report for June 2024 listed Dangote Refinery among the top Diesel and jet Fuel suppliers that will disrupt Europe’s oil and gas industry, a development experts forecast will positively impact the Nigerian economy.

It would be recalled that Standard & Poor Global quoting trading and the ship tracking sources had earlier predicted that Nigeria’s $20 billion Dangote refinery would shake up international crude flows when it reaches full capacity, having already made an impact since coming online in January, trading sources and ship tracking data show.

The OPEC report revealed that “Upside potential for higher production levels from Nigeria’s Dangote refinery, coupled with strong flows from the Middle East and new supplies from the Mexican Olmeca refinery, will likely exert pressure on NWE gasoil performance in the mid-term.”

It stated further that “Europe is one of the world’s largest purchasers of refined petroleum products and relied on imports from Asia and the US after the European Union banned the use of Russian diesel in the bloc.

However, the 650,000bpd capacity refinery which is owned by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is eyeing the wider European market after International Oil Companies stopped supplying its crude oil.

Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, announced the company had earlier exported its first jet fuel cargo to Europe as it rapidly scales production.

The refinery is said to have exported 90 per cent of its 3.5 billion litres of jet fuel and diesel to Europe over alleged lack of support from the Nigerian government.

“It is good to note that from the start of production, more than 3.5 billion litres, which represents 90 per cent of our production, have been exported,” Edwin said

BP is currently transporting its first jet fuel cargo to Rotterdam from Dangote, after being awarded part of a 120,000 metric tonnes tender offered for the end of May, according to S&P Global.

OPEC stated that, “In June, the jet/kerosene crack spread in Rotterdam against Brent showed a slight decline, influenced by supply-side dynamics. Despite signs of improving air travel activities, subdued jet fuel demand from the aviation sector weighed on the product market

“Going forward, European jet/kerosene demand is expected to see upward pressure as consumption levels from the aviation sector continue to pick up in the coming months.”

S&P had noted that Dangote Refinery in its first six months, scaled to 400,000 b/d and delivered diesel, jet fuel, naphtha, and fuel oil to both domestic and export markets, with Gasoline, Nigeria’s primary fuel type, being expected to be produced from mid-August

Notwithstanding, the refinery has already affected crude flows, with dozens of Nigerian cargoes remaining in-country and US WTI Midland, a comparable light, sweet grade, being imported.

The mega-refinery could therefore tighten the light, sweet crude market. “Its diet is WTI and the lighter Nigerian [crudes] so if you were chasing those barrels you’d probably feel it quite keenly,” a West African crude trader told Commodity Insights.

“Once they get to 650,000 b/d without any WTI Midland, ‘severely disrupted’ [will be] the headline.”

WTI Midland crude initially emerged as the favored feedstock to supplement Nigerian supply, with the refinery signing long-term supply contracts for the US grade and noting its competitive pricing.

Platyts, part of Commodity Insights, last assessed WTI Midland into Rotterdam at $82.36/b on July 31, while Nigeria’s Bonny Light was assessed at $82.80/b on the same day.

Crude flows in and out of the Dangote refinery have been felt in other markets, especially in Europe, the largest consumer of light, sweet Nigerian crude.

The US grade has accounted for 30% of crude delivered to Dangote, through 18 cargoes.

President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said the facility would broaden its feedstock sources with Libyan, Angolan, and Brazilian crude.

“The refinery was built to use Nigerian crude and add value to it within Nigeria. Why should we deviate from that focus?” said Dangote, adding that the crude supply issues were “getting resolved”, but that the refinery remained open to all opportunities “to supplement it”.

“Dangote refinery is designed to process a range of light and medium grades of crude oil, including Nigerian grades,” said Rasool Barouni, Associate Director and head of Refining at S&P Global Commodity Insights. “Other similar grades including other WAF grades could be an option.”

Nigeria is sub-Saharan Africa’s largest oil producer, pumping 1.5 million b/d in June, according to the Platts OPEC Survey from S&P Global Commodity Insights.

Until this year, all of its oil was exported due to the lack of refining capacity, with gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel imported for domestic use.

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This is as they described the recent demarketing of the world’s largest single train refinery as the greatest disservice to the nation’s economy.

Speaking after a tour of the refinery on Thursday in Lagos, leaders of the students’ body comprising of those from universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, said it would take an enemy of Nigeria to rubbish the gigantic project that would stop importation of fuel once and for all and save the nation of the scarce forex.

The NANS Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde Afiz, addressing the management of the Dangote Refinery said they had the mandate of Nigerian students to come and assess the situation of the refinery having been told that the refinery was uncompleted and inferior in all standards.

He said: “We had a meeting on the situation in the country vis a vis the uncertainty in the oil and gas industry, especially the current fuel scarcity and we resolved to visit Dangote refinery to see things for ourselves. Having gone round the facility, our heart melted at the humongous size of the refinery.

“We are speaking the minds of all Nigerian students that government should direct all marketers to patronize Dangote refinery and ease the current fuel hardship. If anyone wants to compete with Dangote let them go and build their own. Government has four refineries and they are not working yet they don’t want the one that is available to sell. We will not accept that.

“Dangote refinery has come to stay. We have discovered that all claims being bandied around are false. Our impression is that they never expected the refinery to stand, that is why they are against you. But we are pledging our resolve to stand by you.

“We have seen the refinery laboratory and we could see that it is world class. We can’t allow this type of project that holds great potential for Nigeria’s economy to go down through some people’s disdain for the success of Alhaji Aliko Dangote.”

He then urged the government to do everything possible to support Dangote refinery and protect it from saboteurs.

Earlier, the Vice-President, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, while welcoming the student leaders to the refinery thanked them for the concern for the facility and the resolve to stand for the truth by rejecting monetary inducement.

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He told the students that President Tinubu had intervened and commended the president for the directive for crude to be sold to Dangote refinery in Naira currency, saying it was a good development for all Nigerians.

Edwin said the concern of the students was well placed as all Nigerians should be worried indeed because about 90 per cent of Nigeria forex went into importation of fuel and that Dangote refinery could help solve the problem as 43 per cent of its capacity production could satisfy domestic demand while the remaining will be exported to generate more forex into the country.

Wondering why anyone would want to frustrate the refinery, Edwin noted, “So much has been spent on the government refineries and there was nothing to show for it as they remained moribund.

“What we want to do in Refinery, we have done it in other businesses; Nigeria used to be the biggest importer of Sugar, we came in and changed the narrative. We led the backward integration scheme of the federal government, and we now produce sugar locally for domestic consumption and others have joined us. We did same in Cement by opening up production plant and today Nigeria exports cement to other countries.

“In a business no one was interested in investing into, Dangote delved into it determined to ensure Nigeria no longer imports fuel, invested massively and come up with the world’s largest single train refinery.  He said he would not take his money to Dubai or Swiss banks as others are doing, he decided to invest at home and now they are saying he wants to create monopoly.

“We didn’t ask for any favour other than that we want to buy crude to produce, first they said there was no crude, later they said we would have to pay some dollars above the prevailing crude market price. And this is a global market where you can track crude prices anytime. We resorted to buying crude from Brazil and United States. Later they said we should not be announcing the price of the products.

“Even the US that is the leading proponent of free market economy protects its local industries by imposing huge duty on foreign imports just to protect local industries. This is a man that Saudi Aramco once approached to come and cite his refinery in Saudi Arabia, promising steady supply of crude. Abu Dahbi also invited him to do same on their soil but he rejected insisting he would build at home. Now, he did that and a facility that is supposed to add value to Nigeria’s economy is being frustrated.”

The Dangote Industries boss said the company would continue to focus on its business strategy which is to add value to Nigeria economy through investments and job creation for the teeming Nigerian masses.

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