L-R: Trade Commissioner/ Managing Director, Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) Lagos, Takashi Oku; Group Executive Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Knut Ulvmoen; Vice President, Oil & Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin; Ambassador – Designate of Japan to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo; Director – Service, Yokogawa Nigeria Limited, Olushola Olanlehin, during the visit of Japanese Business Community in Nigeria, to Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals and Fertiliser complexes in Lekki, on Friday December 13, 2024
The Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals complex has been lauded as a technological masterpiece that underscores Nigeria’s advancements on the global stage. This high praise came from a delegation of the Japanese Business Community in Nigeria, led by Japan’s Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo.
During their visit to the state-of-the-art facility, the delegation commended the Dangote Group’s innovative strides, particularly the expansion of its polypropylene section, which is set to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported polypropylene—a key material used in packaging, textiles, and automotive industries.
The tour encompassed the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Petrochemicals, and Dangote Fertiliser facilities. The delegation was awestruck by the scale and sophistication of the refinery, which is the world’s largest single-train refinery.
Takashi Oku, Managing Director of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), expressed admiration for the facility, calling it a “remarkable project” that positions Nigeria as Africa’s gateway. “Seeing the refinery firsthand has been an eye-opener. It showcases Nigeria’s technological advancement and underscores its global relevance. We look forward to collaborating with Nigerian companies, especially Dangote Refinery,” Oku said.
Masahiro Tsuno, Managing Director of Itochu Nigeria Limited, echoed similar sentiments, describing the refinery as a “miracle.” He stated, “I’ve visited refineries in Vietnam and the Middle East, but this single-investor facility is unparalleled. Witnessing this today is like seeing a wonder of the world.” Tsuno indicated interest in exploring partnerships with the Dangote Refinery across sectors like polypropylene and other petroleum products.
Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, highlighted the project’s local roots, emphasizing that it was designed and constructed by Nigerians under the vision of Aliko Dangote. “This facility is a testament to Nigeria’s capability to deliver world-class projects. Built with cutting-edge technologies from around the world, the refinery meets the highest global standards,” Edwin said.
He acknowledged the role of Japanese technology in the project and expressed eagerness to deepen collaboration. “Japanese equipment is integral to both the refinery and fertiliser plant. With Japan’s focus on innovation and our commitment to excellence, there are boundless opportunities for cooperation,” Edwin added.
The refinery is already making an impact globally, with products such as petrol, diesel, and jet fuel being exported to markets in Cameroon, Ghana, Angola, South Africa, and Europe. Edwin noted that the petrochemical segment will boost downstream investments, generate jobs, reduce foreign exchange outflows, and enhance Nigeria’s GDP.
“Our aim is to harness Africa’s crude oil resources to create a cycle of industrial growth, economic prosperity, and job creation,” he concluded.
The delegation left with a deep appreciation for the refinery’s role in redefining Nigeria’s industrial landscape and reinforcing its position as a leader in Africa’s economic transformation.
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