The Federal Government of Nigeria has hailed the commencement of petroleum product lifting from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals in Lagos State. The Government, therefore, described it as a significant step towards national industrialization and self-sufficiency in refining.
This was contained in a statement by the Head, of Communications, Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, on Sunday.
He said that trucks from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd, NNPCL, had begun transporting petrol from the refinery located in Ibeju-Lekki, on Sunday in Lagos.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who led the FG delegates to the refinery also described the development as a landmark moment. He noted that the development will revitalizes Nigerians’ confidence in domestic industrialization and refining capabilities.
“This marks Nigeria’s return to local refining and supply of petroleum products. A significant milestone after decades of import reliance,” Edun said.
The Minister, accompanied by the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and Chairman of the Technical Sub-Committee on Naira-based crude sales to local refineries, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, said that this initiative would ensure Nigeria’s energy security and independence.
The Minister highlighted the benefits of alleviating persistent fuel scarcity and long queues at gas stations. He noted that the local refinery aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of adding value to raw materials before export.
Edun further acknowledged Tinubu’s role in establishing the Free Trade Zone concept during his tenure as Lagos State Governor.
“This achievement strengthens Nigeria’s energy security and supports the government’s policy of promoting domestic investment.
“President Tinubu’s vision was to ensure no raw material leaves Nigeria without added value. I commend President Tinubu for facilitating the supply of crude to local refineries in Naira. And for his role in this achievement,” he added.
The Minister also commended the President of Dangote Industries Ltd., Aliko Dangote, and his team for restoring Nigeria’s position as a producer of refined products. This, Edun said, is coming nearly three decades after the country ceased local refining.
He praised Dangote’s patriotism and unwavering commitment to bringing the refinery project to fruition despite initial doubts.
source: NAN
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