The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, David Bird, has described the facility as a European and Asian merchant refinery model established in Nigeria, designed to set new standards for cleaner fuels and operational excellence across Africa.
Speaking during a media parley and facility tour of the refinery complex at the Lagos Free Trade Zone (FTZ), Bird said the refinery is unlike any other in Nigeria, noting that it combines hybrid automation infrastructure with stringent international best practices.
According to him, the refinery is a state-of-the-art refining and blending configuration built to meet modern fuel quality specifications and global environmental standards.
“Dangote Refinery is not like any other. It is a hybrid of United States, European and Asian merchant refinery models in Nigeria, combined with even more stringent quality standards,” Bird said.
He explained that for years, West Africa had been a preferred destination for inferior and substandard petroleum products, but the entry of the Dangote Refinery is poised to reset fuel quality standards across the continent and beyond.
Bird noted that the refinery sources about 25 different crude grades, with Nigerian crude accounting for approximately 65 per cent of supply, while other international sources make up 35 per cent.
He stressed that the company prioritises meeting domestic fuel demand to eliminate queues nationwide, while also servicing export markets to ensure uninterrupted operations.
He dismissed rumours concerning the refinery’s fuel supply and distribution, insisting that as an internationally certified facility, it cannot compromise on quality.
“We operate under stringent global standards. We cannot engage in substandard fuel production. Our products are aligned with international environmental and health requirements,” he stated.
The Managing Director further said the refinery has helped address the perennial petrol scarcity traditionally experienced during festive periods by maintaining consistent supply since commencing operations.
Highlighting its operational uniqueness, Bird explained that the refinery’s products can be distributed both by sea and land, adhering to the highest industry standards. Beyond petrol, the refinery produces diesel, kerosene, Jet A1, gas, and other intermediate downstream products.
He also revealed that the refinery and its fertiliser subsidiary generate about 500 megawatts of electricity internally through steam and gas turbines to power operations.
On expansion plans, Bird said the Dangote Group is focused on growth under its Vision 2030 strategy, including plans to expand its port located near the refinery to accommodate more vessels bringing in raw materials from countries such as Brazil and exporting fertiliser products.
Also speaking, the Group Branding and Communications Manager of Dangote Group, Tony Chiejina, said fuel scarcity had been a recurring issue in Nigeria since the 1970s, particularly during festive seasons.
Chiejina urged industry stakeholders and Nigerians to support the refinery’s efforts to transform the country’s downstream oil and gas sector, stressing that the company is committed to delivering long-term value to the nation.
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