President Muhammadu Buhari is scheduled to inaugurate the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals, the world’s largest single-train refinery, situated in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

This landmark event is expected to transform Nigeria’s oil and gas sector significantly. Joining President Buhari are five other heads of state, including those from Togo, Ghana, Senegal, Niger, and Chad, along with various ambassadors.

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda will present his goodwill message virtually. Additionally, Nigeria’s President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who initiated the establishment of the free trade zone in Ibeju-Lekki during his tenure as Lagos Governor in 2002, is expected to attend.

The event has garnered widespread support, with all 36 state governors, governors-elect, ministers, senators, and captains of industries in Nigeria expressing their readiness to participate.

Global oil traders, international bankers, and multilateral agencies are also set to grace the occasion.

With a capacity to process 650,000 barrels per day, the Dangote Refinery, promoted by Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, will generate employment opportunities for over 100,000 individuals.

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This project signifies Nigeria’s departure from the league of oil-rich nations reliant on petroleum product imports. Its commissioning marks the first time an individual has built a refinery of such magnitude.

The Dangote Refinery aims to meet the domestic demands of Nigeria and neighboring countries while enabling exports beyond the African continent.

Over 50 countries within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) rely on imported refined petroleum products.

The refinery’s capacity ensures the fulfillment of Nigeria’s entire refined product requirements, including gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and aviation fuel, with surplus for export.

It can process various crude types from Africa, the Middle East, and the United States. The refinery aligns with international emission and effluent standards and employs state-of-the-art technology.

Significant investments have been made to ensure sustainability, including extensive dredging to address potential impacts from rising sea levels, procurement of equipment to enhance local capacity, and the development of a comprehensive port infrastructure.

The commissioning of the Dangote Refinery is poised to reshape Nigeria’s energy landscape, bolster regional trade, and promote self-sufficiency in the petroleum industry.