The Federal Government’s Technical Committee on the One-Stop Shop (OSS) for the Naira-for-Crude initiative has commended the $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, hailing it as a symbol of Nigeria’s industrial revolution.
Describing the refinery as a “breath of fresh air” with wide-reaching impact, the committee emphasized its role in catalyzing Nigeria’s economic transformation. The commendation was delivered by the Coordinator of the OSS Technical Committee, Mrs. Maureen Ogbonna, during a visit to the refinery on Tuesday.
“This refinery touches all our lives. There’s scarcely any sector unaffected — from pharmaceuticals to construction, food to plastics. This project is transformational,” Ogbonna stated. “God has used the President of the Dangote Group to liberate Nigeria. I see this as the beginning of an industrial revolution.”
The refinery, which is the world’s largest single-train facility with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is currently reliant on imported feedstock from the United States due to inadequate domestic crude supply, according to Aliko Dangote.
Ogbonna reiterated the federal government’s commitment to eliminating barriers hampering domestic crude supply and refined product distribution. She said the committee was working in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision to attain full self-sufficiency in petroleum products and reposition Nigeria as a major global exporter.
She also marveled at the scale and sophistication of the project, particularly its state-of-the-art laboratory. “That lab alone is an institution,” she noted. “I don’t know of any institution in Nigeria or even globally that boasts such a facility for petrochemical analysis.”
Ogbonna urged Dangote to remain steadfast in the face of criticism, describing the refinery as a global achievement and a national asset. “He was never self-centred. Despite the obstacles, he was driven by a vision for Nigeria’s future, reaching far beyond Africa.”
Responding, Aliko Dangote expressed appreciation for the committee’s support and lauded the Naira-for-Crude initiative for its positive economic impact. He said the swap deal has helped lower petroleum prices, reduced pressure on foreign exchange, and contributed to naira stability.
Dangote also highlighted the refinery’s strategic role in national development and called for more bold investments in critical infrastructure. He revealed that the refinery’s construction required building an extensive, self-sufficient marine terminal capable of receiving the largest vessels in the world.
The refinery, designed to process a variety of crude grades — including African, Middle Eastern, and US Light Tight Oil — is expected to meet Nigeria’s entire domestic fuel demand with a surplus for export.
He reaffirmed the company’s dedication to supporting national growth and delivering long-term economic benefits to the country.
