*Says We Are Financially Capable To Meet Demands Of Nigeria, Other Countries
Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of Dangote group, has disclosed that the 650,000 bpd refinery will ensure availability Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, in Nigeria.
Dangote made this promise while addressing the press during the official rollout of petrol from the refinery on Tuesday.
Africa’s billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote, has stated that while the nation’s oil company is in charge of controlling petrol pump prices, the introduction of naira for crude will reduce the demand for foreign exchange by 40 per cent.
Describing the development as a turnaround for the country after many years of not producing a single litre of petrol, Dangote noted that he can guarantee availability of product from the refinery while the NNPCL controls pricing.
Pricing is controlled by NNPC. We wait for now. Ours is to ensure that products are available…..that is what I can guarantee you,” Dangote said.
The group chairman, while thanking Nigerians for their support, also lauded the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for creating an enabling environment to achieve the 650,000 barrels per day refinery which will create energy for the nation’s growth, development and prosperity.
Meanwhile, Aliko Dangote, revealed that the colour of the petrol indicates its quality, which will make vehicle engines last longer.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday, Dangote added that Nigerians should expect petrol that enhances the longevity and performance of their vehicle engines without the issues previously common, as the refinery is committed to maintaining superior quality, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
He described this achievement as a significant milestone for the country, which had not produced a single litre of petrol for many years.
He acknowledged that many Nigerians doubted the project would ever succeed.
Dangote expressed his gratitude to Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, for his unwavering dedication over the seven years it took to complete the project.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating a conducive environment that allowed the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery to become a reality.
Dangote said, ”This is a very special day. I believe Nigeria has not produced petrol, which is gasoline, for many years. Standing here today, I would like to salute the people of Nigeria and the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for us to thrive and achieve this monumental task of providing energy to our people for growth, employment, and prosperity.
I think this has been a truly noble achievement.
I want to personally thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the idea of Naira for crude and Naira for the product. Doing this will bring stability to the Naira.
”Right now, you will remove 40% of dollars from the market. With this refinery now operational, it will reveal Nigeria’s true consumption. We can track every single loaded truck and will try our best to monitor the loaded ships as well.
”Today is a day to celebrate and thank God Almighty for bringing us to the stage of producing gasoline. I know many people doubted our ability to deliver, but we have proven them wrong.
”I especially want to thank Mr. Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas, for his sleepless nights and lack of vacations over the last seven years, and Mrs. Alake for ensuring everything was perfect, including the finances, so we could meet this challenge.
”This refinery will entirely change the dynamics, not only in Nigeria but also in Sub-Saharan Africa. The capacity we have will not only meet Nigeria’s demands but also those of Sub-Saharan Africa, at least. You might see it in different colors, but this is the real deal.