The Dangote refinery and petrochemical complex has been hailed as a stunning masterpiece, showcasing Nigeria's technological advancements on the world stage.
This award was shared by a delegation from the Japanese business community in Nigeria, led by the Ambassador-designate of Japan to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo. Dangote Group also reiterated that its petroleum products are in demand around the world as it expands its polypropylene arm to reduce Nigeria's dependence on imported polypropylene, a crucial material used in the packaging, textile and automobile manufacturing industries. .
The Japanese delegation, which toured the impressive facilities that house both the Dangote Petroleum and Petrochemicals Refinery and also Dangote Fertilisers, praised the cutting-edge technology on display, noting that it reinforces Nigeria's role as a gateway to Africa.
The Director General of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Takashi Oku, highlighted that while Nigeria remains the gateway to Africa, the Dangote refinery is a notable project that showcases the country's technological progress. He added that the facility, as the largest single train refinery in the world, is a source of immense pride for Nigeria. JETRO is Japan's government organization for trade and investment.
“We had heard about the excellence of the Dangote Refinery through the media but seeing it in person has left us truly amazed by its immensity and grandeur. It shows that Nigeria's population is not only growing but also advancing in technology. “We are interested in collaborating with Nigerian companies, especially Dangote Refinery,” he said.
Emphasizing that the refinery has reinforced Nigeria's leadership position in Africa, he further noted that the facility serves as an ideal introduction to the country to the global community.
The Managing Director of Itochu Nigeria Limited, Masahiro Tsuno, also praised the large size and automation of the Dangote refinery, calling it a miracle and one of the wonders of the world.
“I have seen many independent refineries around the world, including in Vietnam and the Middle East. However, a refinery of this size built by a single investor is probably a miracle in the world. And, to be honest, today I am witnessing a miracle,” he said. Tsuno indicated that his company would seek collaboration with the refinery in several sectors, including polypropylene and other petroleum products.
Praising the ambassador-designate and his team, who described the Dangote oil refinery as a marvel of modern technology, Dangote Industries Limited Vice President Oil and Gas, Devakumar Edwin, explained that the facility is the vision of a Nigerian investor : Aliko Dangote. , designed and built by Nigerians, and intended to serve the global market.
He said it is a matter of pride that a Nigerian company has not only designed but also built the world's largest single rail refinery complex. Dangote Industries Limited, a Nigerian company, acted as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for the refinery. In the process, cutting-edge technologies from around the world were incorporated to ensure the facility meets the highest standards. Edwin assured the designated ambassador and the delegation that the company is open to collaboration, always striving to maintain the best possible standards.
“Even now we have a lot of Japanese equipment both within the refinery and the fertilizer plant. There are important opportunities for collaboration, as we always look for the latest technology in any business we do. For example, our cement plant laboratory is managed by robots and we always adopt advanced technology. “As Japan focuses on technological innovation, there is ample scope for cooperation and supply of various types of technology,” he said.
Edwin also stated that the Dangote petrochemical project will significantly boost investment in downstream industries, creating substantial value, generating employment, increasing tax revenues, reducing foreign exchange outflows and contributing to Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He confirmed that the refinery's products meet international standards and are already exported worldwide.
“In recent weeks we have exported oil to Cameroon, Ghana, Angola and South Africa, among others. Diesel has reached the entire world and jet fuel is being largely exported to European markets. “Our products are already leaving their mark internationally,” he stated.
He further added that by harnessing Africa's vast crude oil resources to produce refined products locally, the Dangote Group aims to create a virtuous circle of industrial development, job creation and economic prosperity.