Dangote Refinery is gearing up for production as it receives one million barrels of crude oil from the Agbami offshore oil field in the Niger Delta.
This shipment marks the beginning of a series, with a total of 6 million barrels planned for the initial phase of refinery operations.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) will supply the next four cargoes within two to three weeks, while ExxonMobil is slated to provide the final six cargoes.
Under an agreement established in November, NNPCL, holding a 20% stake in the refinery, will continue to supply crude oil.
Launched in 2013 and commissioned by outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2023, the Dangote Refinery, touted as the world’s largest single-train refinery, boasts a daily capacity of 650,000 barrels.
It aims to produce 53 million litres of gasoline, 4 million litres of diesel, and 2 million litres of aviation jet fuel per day.
The reasons for the delay in production until December remain unclear, with some attributing it to the refinery not being ready, while others suggest a shortage of crude oil as a factor.
Femi Otedola, a Nigerian billionaire and friend of Aliko Dangote, praised the milestone, highlighting the refinery’s potential impact on environmental sustainability.
Mr Otedola noted the facility’s carbon capture technologies and storage processes, projecting it to capture over 90% of emitted CO2.
He sees the refinery as a beacon of hope for Nigerians and Africans, emphasizing its role in championing environmental sustainability.
The commencement of oil refining at the Dangote Refinery is anticipated to address Nigeria’s frequent fuel shortages.