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Dangote says Nigeria Can Become a Refining Hub

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Aliko Dangote

 

Nigeria must enhance its crude oil production capacity and effectively manage its crude supply to ensure adequate feedstock for domestic refineries, in order to transit from a net importer to a net exporter of petroleum products.

Chairman of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company Limited, Aliko Dangote, made this assertion during his keynote address at a summit held in Lagos by the Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN). The event attracted top government officials and key stakeholders from the midstream and downstream sectors.

Addressing Nigeria’s potential as a refining hub, Dangote expressed concern that, despite producing over 3.4 million barrels of crude oil per day, Africa imports around 3 million barrels of petroleum products daily. He noted that these imports, primarily from Europe, Russia, and other regions, are estimated to cost approximately $17 billion in 2023.  He urged that Nigeria could capitalise on this situation to become a net exporter of refined petroleum products, as the markets would be more competitively served from Nigeria.

Both the crude oil and the petroleum products will travel shorter distances. The logistics costs of floating storage will be eliminated, and countries can purchase their petroleum product requirements just-in-time. Nigeria and Africa can become completely self-sufficient, and we can keep all the value on our shores. We have done it in cement, and we can certainly do it for petroleum products.

“It is worth noting that the Dangote Refinery already produces sufficient diesel and jet fuel to meet Nigeria’s demand. We recently started the production of PMS and will soon ramp up to meet Nigeria’s needs. Our refined products have been exported to diverse markets, including Europe, Brazil, the UK, the USA, Singapore, and South Korea,” he added.

Represented by Engr. Mansur Ahmed, Group Executive Director of Dangote Industries Ltd, Dangote emphasised that Nigeria must develop a refining capacity of 1.5 million barrels per day and prioritise domestic crude supply obligations to seize this opportunity. Acknowledging the arising and future challenges, he urged the government to incentivise investors, contrasting this with the Dangote Oil Refinery, which was built without any government incentives.

It is unfortunate that while countries like Norway are putting oil proceeds into a future fund, in Africa, we are spending oil proceeds from the future. We will also need to prioritise the implementation of domestic crude supply obligations. We will need to expand our crude oil production capacity to support demand from new refining capacity. The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is taking active steps to achieve this through fast-tracking IOC divestments and other initiatives,” he stated.

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Emphasising that global developments in the petroleum sector, particularly in Europe, will disrupt historical trade flows for refined petroleum products in Africa, Dangote stated that Nigeria is uniquely positioned to capitalise on this opportunity and become a significant player in the global oil industry. He called for consultation, collaboration, and cooperation among stakeholders.

“As a vibrant exporter of refined products, Nigeria will witness an improvement in its balance of trade and generate much-needed foreign currency. Nigeria’s potential as a refining hub is clearly not in doubt; let us work together to make it happen,” he urged.

The foremost industrialist noted that the summit’s theme, “Making Nigeria a Net Exporter of Petroleum Products,” would have seemed unrealistic a few years ago, and added that despite being Africa’s largest crude oil producer, Nigeria has historically relied on imports to meet its refined petroleum product needs.

However, he emphasised that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals is poised to transform Nigeria from a “net importer” to a “net exporter” of refined petroleum products, establishing the country as an emerging player in global downstream trade flows; with refined products already exported to various markets, including Europe, Brazil, the UK, the USA, Singapore, and South Korea.

Commending Dangote for this transformation, Chairman of IPPG/Waltersmith Refinery & Petrochemicals Co. Ltd, Abdulrazaq Isa, called on the government to support domestic refiners by ensuring the availability of crude, adhering to domestic crude supply obligations, and implementing effective pricing and monitoring measures to prevent smuggling.

Chairman of CORAN’s Board of Trustees and CEO of Integrated Oil & Gas, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho (rtd), remarked that the Dangote Oil Refinery has set a high standard by producing Euro-V products, thus protecting citizens from exposure to high-sulphur products. He noted that transforming Nigeria into a net exporter will bring numerous benefits but reiterated the need for increased investment to boost crude production, lamenting that Nigeria loses approximately $83 billion annually by not meeting its OPEC quota.

While acknowledging that tank farms remain essential despite local refining, Iheanacho urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to consider cancelling import licences, as Nigeria can now meet its local demand.

Chairman of Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), Huub Stokman,  stated that Nigeria is on the verge of becoming Africa’s refining powerhouse, which will significantly boost the economy. The Chairman of CORAN, Momoh Oyarekhua, also expressed concern over challenges related to crude supply and stated that domestic refiners will work with regulators and stakeholders to address these issues.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lopkobiri,  assured that the government would continue to refine frameworks to enhance crude production and support domestic refineries. His counterpart from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, emphasised the Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to ensuring value addition for mineral resources before export.

Two panel sessions were held to discuss Nigeria’s downstream petroleum refining sector and its potential impacts, as well as policy strategies for achieving self-sufficiency in petroleum products.

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Late Danzago Shaped Governance and Entrepreneurship – Comrade Waiya

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Kano state commissioner of information and internal affairs Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya has paid condolences visit to the family of Late Alhaji Amadu Haruna Danzago over the death of the renowned politician and businessman.

 

During the visit on Saturday evening, the commissioner described the death as a great loss to Kano, business community and Nigeria as a whole.

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He said, Dazago’s death has created a wide vacuum in Nigerian politics, and the business community due to his active role in shaping governance and entrepreneurship development.

 

He urged politicians to emulate the leadership qualities of Late Danzago’ who before his death served as managing Director Kano Refuse management and Sanitation Board (REMASAB)

 

” Late Amadu Haruna Danzago will continue to be remembered for his contribution to the economy as a business man, as well as the political space, because throughout his active live was dedicated to serving humanity and building younger generation ”

 

Waiya prayed for the soul of the late elder stateman and for his family to bear the lost.

 

He also extended his condolences to governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the national leader of the NNPP engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso over the loss.

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Ramping Up Vaccination: Emir of Dass Launched New Incentives’ Program Addition In Bauchi

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To improve routine immunization and retention rates in Bauchi State, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Dass, Alhaji Usman Bilyaminu Othman, and New Incentives All Babies Are Equal (NI-ABAE) launched the All Babies Livelihood Grant program addition. This initiative offers ₦5,000 to caregivers who complete their child’s vaccination schedule.

The launch ceremony took place at the Town Primary Health Care Center (PHCC) Dass, and was organized by the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board (BSPHCDB) with support from NI-ABAE. Attendees included the Executive Chairmen of Dass Local Government Area (LGA) and BSPHCDB, a WHO representative, District Heads, and other traditional and community leaders.

Another cross section of women

Another cross section of women

In his speech, Umar Faruq Abubakar, the Head of Administration of Dass LGA, representing the Chairman, described the launch as a milestone in Bauchi State’s healthcare system. “Today’s event marks the beginning of a new chapter in health service delivery in Bauchi State. The additional NI-ABAE program represents a significant effort to improve access to quality healthcare services and reduce disparities,” he said. He also commended the Bauchi State Emirs, district heads, health workers, and partners for their support in making the ABAE program successful. “Your support, commitment, and collaborative effort are pivotal in ensuring that this program reaches those most need it.”
Dan Asabe Abdullahi, State Director of Public Health, representing the Commissioner of Health, praised the initiative, especially amid economic hardship. “If sustained, this program will help reduce childhood deaths from preventable diseases,” he said. He urged caregivers to give birth in health facilities and complete their children’s immunizations.
“When caregivers bring their infants in for their routine immunizations at a government clinic, the All Babies program.

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Cross section of women during the programme

Cross section of women during the programme

Provides a small cash incentive of ₦1,000 for each of the six visits required for her child to complete the immunization schedule, totaling ₦6,000 over 15 months,” explained Nura Muhammad, NI-ABAE Stakeholder Relations Director (SRD). “Now, I am delighted to inform you all here, that upon completion of the immunization schedule, caregivers will now be given a token of ₦5,000 which will make all the cash incentive she received over her 15 months of visits to ₦11,000,” the SRD added.

 

Umar Faruq Head of administration Dass LGA

Umar Faruq Head of administration Dass LGA

The Emir of Dass who also serves as the Co-Chair of the Bauchi State Task Force on Primary Health Care welcomed the program addition. He said the livelihood grant is an intervention at the right time, urging caregivers to utilize it. “In reality, we know that what’s stopping many caregivers from going to the clinic to access care is the lack of transportation fares from their homes to the clinic,” he said. “This support will help ensure children get the protection they need.”
He urged caregivers to stay committed to completing their children’s immunization schedules. “As soon as you give birth, start vaccinations and return for every session until the 15th month. Do not miss any,” he advised. The Emir reassured the people of Bauchi State that traditional leaders fully support the program and will continue to advocate for the health and well-being of their people.

He concluded by thanking NI-ABAE and its partners for their commitment to strengthening immunization in Bauchi State

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Chief Ayo Adebanjo,  Afenifere Leader  Dies at 96

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A foremost nationalist, elder statesman and leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, has died at the age of 96.

The elder statesman died Friday at his residence in Lekki, Lagos, at age 96.

He died peacefully at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State on the morning of Friday, February 14, 2025.

The family confirmed his passing in a statement made available to Channels Television on Friday.

“With a heart full of gratitude for a selfless life spent in the service of God, the nation and humanity, we announce the passing on of our beloved patriarch, Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo.

He died peacefully this morning, Friday, February 14, 2025, at his Lekki, Lagos Nigeria home at the age of 96,” the family statement read.

Adebanjo is survived by his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“We will forever cherish his commitment to fighting for truth, equity and justice. His belief and struggle for a truly independent and progressive Nigeria was total and this he fought for until he breathed his last breath,” the statement added.

The family said they are consulting with Adebanjo’s friends, associates, numerous interest groups across the length and breadth of Nigeria and beyond, to fine tune plans for a befitting funeral details which will be communicated in due course.

A condolence register has been opened at his residence in Lagos (8, Ayo Adebanjo Close, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos) and  his country home in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

Adebanjo,  a lawyer, a radical politician and a nationalist of Yoruba extraction was born in Isanya Ogbo, a village near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, South-West Nigeria on April 10, 1928.

He was originally a journalist before going to the United Kingdom to study law. After completing his studies, he was called to the English Bar in 1961.

Chief Adebanjo started politics at an early age, joining the struggle in 1943, as a Zikist, a follower of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.

However, in 1951 he became a member of the youth wing of the Action Group, and a mentee and political disciple of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

He remained active and vocal in Nigerian politics until his death, throwing his weight, alongside his Afenifere group behind the candidacy of Peter Obi of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election.

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