Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria’s fuel supply landscape is set for a major shift as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals announced plans to supply over 65 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) daily to the domestic market, exceeding current national demand and positioning the country as a net exporter of petrol.
President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, disclosed the development in Lagos, stating that a structured offtake agreement has been finalised with selected marketers to ensure seamless nationwide distribution and eliminate supply volatility.
“We have agreed an offtake framework to supply over 65 million litres daily for the domestic market,” Dangote said. “Any surplus, estimated at between 15 and 20 million litres, will be exported.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelNigeria’s average daily petrol consumption is estimated at between 50 and 60 million litres. The refinery’s projected daily supply of over 65 million litres therefore surpasses existing domestic requirements, marking a decisive break from decades of reliance on imported refined petroleum products.
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Industry analysts say the development signals a structural transformation of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector. For years, Africa’s largest crude oil producer depended heavily on fuel imports, exposing the economy to foreign exchange volatility, supply chain disruptions and recurring scarcity.
With local refining capacity now exceeding consumption levels, economists project significant foreign exchange savings, as billions of dollars previously spent on petrol imports could be conserved annually. The shift is also expected to ease pressure on the naira, bolster external reserves and improve the country’s trade balance.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Engr. Bayo Bashir Ojulari, during a recent visit to the facility, described the refinery as a transformative national asset capable of redefining Nigeria’s energy security framework and accelerating industrial growth.
Ojulari said the plant had surpassed operational expectations, citing live production data observed during the inspection.
“This plant was designed for 650,000 barrels per day. None of us thought it would even touch 550,000. What we saw live today was 661,000. These are live parameters, not reports or photographs,” he stated.
The refinery, designed with a nameplate capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is regarded as one of the largest single-train refining complexes globally. Its full-scale operation is expected to significantly alter fuel trade flows within West Africa while strengthening Nigeria’s push toward energy self-sufficiency.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
