Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has praised the imminent commencement of fuel production by the Dangote oil refinery, heralding it as a transformative development poised to bolster Nigeria’s economy. The refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is expected to start delivering petrol to filling stations within the next 48 hours, pending finalization of arrangements with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, Governor Abiodun emphasized that the refinery’s operational launch marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s energy sector. “With this refinery coming on stream, the long-standing issue of the country’s reliance on fuel importation will be effectively addressed. This has been a major challenge for over three decades,” Abiodun noted.
The governor highlighted that the new refinery, along with the anticipated production from the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries, will alleviate persistent fuel shortages and provide much-needed relief to Nigerians. The enhanced fuel production capacity is also expected to stimulate economic growth by reducing the country’s dependency on imported fuel and conserving foreign exchange.
Abiodun extended his commendation to Aliko Dangote for his unwavering commitment to the multi-billion-dollar project despite various obstacles. He also praised President Bola Tinubu for his pivotal role in facilitating the refinery’s completion and for his ongoing efforts to revitalize other refineries across the nation.
“This significant achievement not only reflects Mr. Dangote’s vision and resilience but also represents a major milestone for Nigeria and the broader African continent,” Abiodun remarked. “The Dangote refinery will address Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel, which has strained our foreign exchange reserves and hindered our path to self-sufficiency.”
The governor also emphasized the broader economic benefits of the refinery, including job creation and enhanced energy security. “The refinery’s operations are expected to generate thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly, contributing to a reduction in unemployment rates. Furthermore, it will improve energy stability, create a favorable business environment, and attract foreign investments.”
Governor Abiodun concluded by underscoring that the refinery’s impact extends beyond fuel production, offering a substantial boost to Nigeria’s economic growth and stability.