Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, the world’s largest single-train refinery, is set to be commissioned today, May 22, 2023, in an event of immense significance for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
President Muhammadu Buhari will inaugurate the refinery in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, in what is expected to be a groundbreaking ceremony.
Five African presidents will attend the commissioning ceremony, adding to its international stature. President Gnassingbé Eyadéma of Togo, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, President Macky Sall of Senegal, President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger Republic, and President Mahamat Déby of Chad will be present to witness this historic event.
Additionally, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda will deliver a goodwill message virtually, joining a host of ambassadors and other distinguished guests.
Sanford Group, in a statement released on Sunday, confirmed the participation of all 36 state governors, governors-elect, ministers, senators, and prominent figures from the business community within Nigeria and abroad.
Furthermore, the event is expected to be graced by global oil traders, top international bankers, and representatives from international multilateral agencies, who have expressed their readiness to attend.
The statement by Sanford Group highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “In an epoch-making event that will positively transform Nigeria’s oil and gas sectoral landscape, President Muhammadu Buhari will today commission Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, the world’s largest single train refinery in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, alongside his counterparts from Ghana, Togo, Senegal, Niger, and Chad.”
“Promoted by Africa’s wealthiest individual, Aliko Dangote, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will have a remarkable capacity to process 650,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd). Spanning an impressive 2,635 hectares of land within the Dangote Industries Free Zone in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, the refinery is expected to generate employment opportunities for over 100,000 individuals.
“The inauguration of this monumental project is expected to mark a significant milestone for Nigeria, as it aims to reduce its reliance on petroleum product imports.
By establishing a refinery of such magnitude, Nigeria aspires to transition from being solely an oil-rich nation to becoming a major exporter of petroleum products.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s president-elect, who initially initiated the establishment of the Free Trade Zone in Ibeju-Lekki during his tenure as the governor of Lagos in 2002, will be in attendance.
The commissioning of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery holds historical significance, as it is the first time a refinery of this scale, built by an individual, is being commissioned. This remarkable achievement underscores the entrepreneurial prowess and vision of Aliko Dangote, Africa’s most prominent business magnate.
The world eagerly awaits the momentous occasion, as Nigeria str strides towards transforming its oil and gas sector, paving the way for increased self-sufficiency and economic growth.
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