The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has lauded the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, describing it as a national pride and a catalyst for Nigeria’s energy future. This commendation followed a tour of the facility on Monday, July 13, 2026.
Minister Ekpo emphasized that the refinery underscores the importance of supporting indigenous investments. Such investments are crucial for transforming Nigeria’s economy, creating employment, and strengthening the country’s energy security.
Government Hails Indigenous Investment
Addressing the refinery's management, Minister Ekpo stated that the facility stands as compelling evidence of what Nigerian enterprise can achieve. He affirmed that it deserves the full backing of government institutions, assuring continued collaboration from policymakers and regulators.
“What we have come to see today is an eye opener. A Nigerian has taken us to this level. Whether in terms of employment or providing for the needs of the nation, this is something we should all be proud of,” Ekpo remarked.
Also speaking during the visit, Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Senator Magnus Abe, described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as one of the most remarkable industrial accomplishments ever undertaken in Nigeria. He highlighted that the sheer scale of the project represents an achievement many Nigerians are yet to fully appreciate.
Dangote's Vision and Operational Excellence
Devakumar Edwin, Group Vice President, Oil & Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, conducted the ministers and NUPRC delegation on the tour. He commended their determination in visiting the facility despite heavy rainfall, viewing it as a demonstration of their commitment to Nigeria’s industrial development.
Edwin explained that the refinery was conceived as part of the vision of Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited. This vision aims to ensure Nigeria adds value to its abundant natural resources rather than exporting raw materials and importing finished products.
He noted that the Group’s Vision 2030 is centered on leading Africa’s industrial transformation by building globally competitive businesses. These businesses aim to make the continent more self-sufficient and prosperous, transforming Africa’s natural resources into essential products that create jobs, generate value, and drive sustainable economic growth.
Beyond its scale, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has been designed as one of the world’s most environmentally advanced refining complexes. It incorporates technologies that meet stringent European Union and United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) standards.
The facility is equipped with ambient air quality monitoring stations, mobile environmental monitoring systems, and other advanced emissions control technologies. These features make it one of the cleanest and most environmentally responsible refineries globally.
“Our objective has never been simply to build the largest refinery in Africa. It has always been to build one of the world’s best, producing cleaner fuels that improve public health, protect the environment and position Nigeria as a leading global refining and manufacturing hub,” Edwin stated.
The refinery recently achieved a sustained processing capacity of 700,000 barrels per day, following successful performance tests above its original nameplate capacity. It is currently supplying the domestic market while exporting refined petroleum products to countries across Africa and other international markets, further positioning Nigeria as a major global refining hub.
