By Ishaya Ibrahim
Ex Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi who was also the flag bearer of the Labour Party in the February 25 presidential election, has said the news of Dangote Refinery commencing operations today marks a major milestone in the potential turning around of the Nigerian economy.
In a Tuesday post on X, Obi said he was informed by billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola that the Dangote Refinery commenced operations today, a few days after receiving one million barrels of crude shipment.
“Today, I received from my friend and dear brother, @realFemiOtedola, the news of the Commencement of operations of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals in Lagos. I join other Nigerians in congratulating my dear brother, @AlikoDangote, and his entire team at The Dangote Group, on this momentous occasion,” he said.
Obi said when the Refinery starts operating at maximum capacity, it will not only meet the domestic demand of Nigeria’s fuel need, but also help the country save much-needed foreign exchange currently spent on the importation of the product.
He said: “As exemplified by the Dangote Group, the private sector will play a crucial role in our struggle to move our nation from consumption to production. This will help to create jobs, help in generating the much-needed foreign exchange, and encourage the growth of other small-scale businesses in the industry. We will continue to encourage positive transformations in our nation that will engender the much-needed productivity that will birth a New Nigeria. It is POssible.”
Recall that the Dangote Refinery received its inaugural shipment of the first one million barrels of Agbami crude grade from Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited (STASCO) on December 9.
Among the first sets of products expected from the refinery are; Diesel, LPG (Gas) and Aviation Fuel. PMS will come in the second phase.
