By Deji Ariyo
(with Agency reports)

Group Head, Corporate Communications, Dangote Group, Mr Anthony Chiejina, in a statement in Lagos at the weekend, confirmed that Dangote Petroleum Refinery has commenced production of diesel and aviation fuel.

Chiejina quoted the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, to have elatedly thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support, encouragement and thoughtful advice towards the actualisation of the project.

“We have started the production of diesel and aviation fuel, and the products will be in the market before the end of the month.

“This is a big day for Nigeria. We are delighted to have reached this significant milestone.

“This is an important achievement for our country as it demonstrates our ability to develop and deliver large capital projects.

“This is a game changer for our country, and I am very fulfilled with the actualisation of this project.

“The refinery has so far received six million barrels of crude oil at its two SPMs located 25 kilometres from the shore.

“The first crude delivery was done on Dec. 12, 2023, and the 6th cargo was delivered on Jan. 8, 2024,” Dangote was quoted as saying.

He said that the refinery can load 2,900 trucks a day at its truck-loading gantries.

He added that the products from the refinery will conform to Euro V specifications.

Dangote also thanked the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC, Limited; the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC; Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, and Nigerians for their support and belief in the historic project.

“We also thank the NNPCL, NUPRC and NMDPRA for their support.

“These organisations have been our dependable partners in this historic journey.

“We also thank Nigerians for their belief and support in this project,” he said.