The Federal Government has commended the beginning of petroleum product lifting from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, describing it as a significant step towards national industrialisation and self-sufficiency in refining.
The Head of Communications, Dangote Group, Mr Anthony Chiejina, in a statement had said trucks from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd, NNPCL, had begun transporting petrol from the refinery located in Ibeju-Lekki, on Sunday, 15 September, 2024 in Lagos.
While leading the government delegation, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, also described the development as a landmark moment that revitalises Nigerians’ confidence in domestic industrialisation and refining capabilities.
The Minister, accompanied by Dr Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Chairman of the Technical Sub-committee on Naira-based crude sales to local refineries, said this initiative would ensure Nigeria’s energy security and independence.
Edun stressed the benefit of alleviating persistent fuel scarcity and long queues at gas stations, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of adding value to raw materials before export.
He further acknowledged Tinubu’s role in establishing the free trade zone concept during his tenure as Lagos State governor.
“This marks Nigeria’s return to local refining and supply of petroleum products, a significant milestone after decades of import reliance,” Edun said.
