The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, David Bird, has said the refinery is delivering measurable public health and environmental benefits through the production of Euro 5 standard fuels, placing Nigeria among countries with some of the highest fuel quality specifications globally.
Speaking during an interaction with journalists, Bird explained that modern fuel standards are driven largely by public health considerations, particularly the need to reduce harmful emissions associated with high sulphur and metal content in petroleum products.
According to him, the refinery currently produces Euro 5 specification petrol with a sulphur content of 50 parts per million (ppm), a benchmark designed to protect both public health and the environment.
“Fuel specifications have evolved over time in response to public health requirements,” Bird said. “Euro 5 is not about imposing costs on industry.
“It is about safeguarding health and ensuring cleaner air. The reduction of sulphur in fuels has significantly reduced problems such as acid rain and harmful emissions.” Bird said.
He noted that several countries in West Africa still operate under older fuel specifications with significantly higher sulphur levels, but said Nigeria is now benefiting from cleaner fuels produced domestically.
Bird also pointed out that metals such as lead, once used to enhance fuel performance, have been eliminated in advanced markets due to their adverse health effects.
“Nigerians are now enjoying low-sulphur, metal-free petrol comparable to what is available in Europe,” he stated. “This is something many Europeans take for granted. It should not be considered a luxury. If industry can deliver the highest standards, then consumers have the right to benefit from them. Our ambition is to extend the reach of high-quality fuels across the continent.”
He added that the refinery’s capacity to consistently produce cleaner, higher-quality fuels highlights its role in reshaping Nigeria’s energy landscape and aligning domestic fuel standards with global best practices.
Bird emphasised that the development represents not only an industrial milestone but also a significant step forward in strengthening environmental protection and improving public health outcomes in Nigeria.
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