Nigerian billionaire businessman Femi Otedola has said that 650,000 bpd Dangote Refinery will boost Nigeria’s economic transformation, champion energy security and environmental sustainability.
The $20 billion refinery near Lagos, owned by Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, is set to begin production as it reportedly received its first tanker of crude oil feedstock volume of about one million barrels from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) a few days ago.
Writing on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, Otedola, a close friend of Dangote, described the refinery as “the 8th wonder of the world.”
He added that the refinery was “a beacon of hope for millions of Nigerians and Africans” and “also at the vanguard of championing environmental sustainability.”
“By meeting our requirements for all refined petroleum products, it will champion energy security and independence for our nation and act as a catalyst for a new era of prosperity for the subcontinent. It promises economic transformation for Nigerians today and for generations to come,” Otedola noted.
He added, “The Dangote Petrochemical Complex, which consists of the world’s largest single-train 650,000 barrels per day Petroleum Refinery, a 1 million metric tonnes of Polypropylene per-annum facility, and two of the world’s largest Fertilizer Trains – with a capacity of producing 3 Million Tonnes of Urea – is much more than just an industrial milestone; it’s a testament to the visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence of one of Africa’s finest and most dogged patriots.”
The billionaire businessman recalled that he had a front-row seat as the vision (of the refinery) was conceptualized and took shape, adding that Dangote worked doggedly and tirelessly over the last decade “to bring this dream to fruition.”
“This refinery is a beacon of hope for millions of Nigerians and Africans. It is also at the vanguard of championing environmental sustainability. With its Carbon capture technologies and storage processes it will capture up to 90%+ of the CO2 emitted and also play a significant role in reducing Well-to-tank carbon emissions from crude oil maritime transportation, thereby playing its own role in helping Nigeria meet its target for net-zero emissions by 2060.”
According to Otedola, the Refinery recycles 100 per cent of its water. He further stated that, “The heat coming out of the process is fully captured to produce 50MW of Power.
“Shipping 65,000 barrels per day of crude out of Nigeria and 650kbpd in refined products to Nigeria and nearby countries which is 480 ships of 1m barrels per day will save 1.5m to 2.5m tons of CO2 emissions. This will help the environment.”
“Congratulations, @AlikoDangote. Africa is proud of you!” He stated.
