Buhari, Eyadéma, Akufo-Addo, others expected as Dangote Refinery begins operation today

As the Dangote Refinery begins operations on Monday (today), the 650,000 barrels per day oil processing facility has been designed to process crude oil grades from the three continents of Africa, Asia and America.

It was also gathered that the refinery would deliver a surplus of about 38 million litres of petrol, diesel, kerosene and aviation fuel for Nigeria daily, hence it would meet the 100 per cent fuel supply requirement of the country.

Data in a document obtained from the company on Sunday showed that the Dangote Refinery could support the establishment of 26,716 fillings stations, create 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, and provide a $21bn market for Nigerian crude oil annually.

Early this month, The PUNCH reported that the Dangote Refinery, established by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is scheduled to be inaugurated on May 22.

A presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, had tweeted that the inauguration would be done by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

“Efforts by the Federal Government to make Nigeria self-sufficient in local refining of crude oil to save the scarce foreign exchange used in the importation of petroleum products have received a boost as the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Refinery, the world’s largest single-train refinery, is set for inauguration on May 22nd, 2023, by President Muhammadu Buhari,” Ahmad announced.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemical Project, a subsidiary of Dangote Industries Limited, is a 650,000 barrels per day crude oil refinery, located in Dangote Industries Free Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria.

Buhari, others to attend inauguration

In a statement from the oil firm, on Sunday President Muhammadu Buhari, alongside his counterparts from Ghana, Togo, Senegal, Niger and Chad would inaugurate multi-billion dollar refinery.

It stated that those expected at the historic event, apart from international dignitaries, include the Presidents of Togo, Gnassingbé Eyadéma; Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo; Senegal, Macky Sall; Niger Republic, Mohamed Bazoum, Chad, Mahamat Déby and a host of ambassadors.

It stated that President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, who would not be physically present, would, however, present his goodwill message virtually.

All 36 state governors and most of the governors-elect, ministers, senators, and captains of industries in Nigeria and others from outside the country have indicated interest to attend, according to the statement.

It further stated that global oil traders, top international bankers, international multilateral agencies had also indicated their readiness to grace the ceremony.

.Culled from PUNCH