AS Dangote Refinery takes delivery of its maiden crude cargo last week, organizers and participants at the just concluded Kano International Trade Fair have expressed joy and optimism that the new refinery would positively impact all spheres of the economy.
Director General of the Kano Chamber of Commerce Industries Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA), Tijani Aliyu Abdu Danzabuwa said the Refinery will create multi-dimensional wealth, and the impact would be felt across Africa.
The DG spoke on the sideline of the Dangote Special Day at the Kano Fair.
The DG added: “It’s great! It’s what we’ve been so anxious to hear. We hope and pray for a hitch free operation and may it bring the fuel price down and assist in ending fuel scarcity in Nigeria.”
The company had announced last that the maiden one million barrels, which represent the first phase of the six million barrels of crude oil to be supplied to Dangote Petroleum Refinery by a range of suppliers, should sustain the initial 350,000 barrels per day to be processed by the facility. It added that the next four cargoes will be supplied by the NNPC in two to three weeks and the final of the six cargoes will be supplied by ExxonMobil.
“This supply will facilitate the initial run of the refinery as well as kick-start the production of diesel, aviation fuel, and LPG before subsequently progressing to the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). This latest development will play a pivotal role in alleviating the fuel supply challenges faced by Nigeria as well as the West African countries,” it said.
Excited by the news of the Dangote Refinery’s maiden crude cargo, participants who spoke to newsmen at the Dangote pavilion said the refinery would create multi-dimensional wealth in all sectors.
“The news that the Dangote Refinery has taken delivery of crude is highly delighted and welcomed. I am sure it would multi-dimensional impact and create wealth across all sectors,” Dr Ibrahim Samaila Kudu said.
Speaking of the Sambajo General Enterprises Limited Salisu Sambajo described the news as welcome, adding that it would support the dwindling economy.
He described the refinery as a legacy project that will positively transform the Nigeria’s economy.
Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola had also described the Dangote Refinery as the eighth wonder of the world, saying it would championed Nigeria’s energy security.
The refinery is designed to comply with US EPA, European emission norms, and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) emission/effluent norms as well as African Refiners and Distribution Association (ARDA) standards.
President of Dangote Group, Mr. Aliko Dangote had stated: “We are delighted to have reached this significant milestone. This is an important achievement for our country as it demonstrates our ability to develop and deliver large capital projects.
Our focus over the coming months is to ramp up the refinery to its full capacity. I look forward to the next significant milestone when we deliver the first batch of products to the Nigerian market.”
Country Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor stated: “We welcome the startup of a refinery that is designed to produce gasoline, diesel, and low-sulphur fuels for Nigeria and across West Africa and are happy to be enabling it.”
Meanwhile, a subsidiary of DIL, the Dangote Packaging Limited, DPL, has been unveiled in Kano on the margin of the Dangote Special Day on Wednesday 6th, December.
The public presentation and launching were conducted by the President of KACCIMA, Garba Imam.
Garba said that the Emir of Kano, Dr. Aminu Ado Bayero was informed about the event, to further elevate the brand identity to marketers of various products in Kano.
He commended the Conglomerate for impacting Nigeria’s economy and easing the sufferings of the people “DIL has contributed immensely to growth and development of all most all the sectors in Nigeria, and the Sub-Saharan Africa.
“KACCIMA will do its best to enhance increased awareness and acceptability of the packaging Brand in Kano”.
DPL, formally known as Agrosacks is a subsidiary of Dangote Industries and a foremost provider of polypropylene bags for packaging of the Group products, while meeting requirements for the 3rd party markets – farmers and other stakeholders
Head of Sales and Marketing of Dangote Packaging Limited, Mr. Kawu Jakada said DPL products are of high quality, durable, and water resistant.