THE Federal Government has expressed excitement at the lifting of petroleum products, especially Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol, from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, describing it as a significant step towards national industrialisation and self-sufficiency in refining.
The Head of Communications, Dangote Group, Mr. Anthony Chiejina, in a statement, said that trucks from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) had started transporting petrol from the refinery in Ibeju-Lekki, area of Lagos State on Sunday, September 15.
The government delegation was led by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, who also described the development as a landmark moment that revitalises Nigerians’ confidence in domestic industrialisation and refining capabilities, adding: “This marks Nigeria’s return to local refining and supply of petroleum products, a significant milestone after decades of import reliance.”
The minister, accompanied by the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), who doubles as Chairman of the Technical Sub-Committee on Naira-based crude sales to local refineries, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, enthused that the initiative would ensure Nigeria’s energy security and independence.
He highlighted the benefit of alleviating persistent fuel scarcity and long queues at filling stations, which he said aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of adding value to raw materials before export.
He underscored the President’s role in establishing the free trade zone concept during his tenure as Lagos State governor, noting: “This achievement strengthens Nigeria’s energy security and supports the government’s policy of promoting domestic investment. Tinubu’s vision was to ensure no raw material leaves Nigeria without added value.
“I commend the President for facilitating the supply of crude to local refineries in Naira and for his role in this achievement.”
The minister also commended the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and his team for restoring Nigeria’s position as a producer of refined products, almost 30 years after it ceased local refining, as well as patriotism and unwavering commitment to bringing the project to fruition, against initial doubts.
