LAGOS, Nigeria — President Muhammadu Buhari is set to commission the Dangote Refinery, the world’s largest single-train refinery, in Lagos State on May 22nd, 2023.
The news was revealed by Buhari’s media aide, Bashir Ahmad, who expressed the Nigerian government’s enthusiasm for the project.
The refinery, with a capacity to process 650,000 barrels per day, is expected to significantly bolster the Federal Government’s efforts to make Nigeria self-sufficient in local refining of crude oil.
This would reduce the country’s reliance on importing petroleum products and save scarce foreign exchange.
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… pic.twitter.com/b6KRHOuy12
— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) May 7, 2023
In a tweet on Sunday, May 7, 2023, Ahmad wrote: “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.”
The Dangote Group, led by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, previously announced plans to launch the refinery. Once operational, the refinery will play a crucial role in addressing Nigeria’s energy needs and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
The inauguration of the Dangote Refinery signifies a major milestone for Nigeria as it seeks to reduce dependence on foreign refineries and promote domestic industrialization.
It also underscores the country’s commitment to utilizing its abundant oil resources to foster economic self-reliance and improve the livelihoods of its citizens.
