L-R; ECOWAS Commissioner for Internal Affairs; Prof. Nazifi Abdullahi Darma; President of the ECOWAS Commission; H. E. Dr. Omar Aliau Touray; President/ CE, Dangote Industries Ltd; Aliko Dangote; ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation; Sédiko Douka; Chairman, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, Sayyu Dantata;; During President of the ECOWAS Commission and His Team Visit to Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lekki, Lagos on Thursday,; May 29, 2025.,
On a bright day at the Lekki Free Zone, the silhouette of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery stands tall against the Atlantic horizon—not just as an engineering marvel, but as a powerful symbol of Africa’s ambition to reclaim its economic destiny.
This was the sentiment echoed by the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, who recently visited the sprawling 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery with his delegation. For Dr. Touray, the experience was deeply moving.
“What I have seen today gives me a lot of hope,” he said, his voice reflecting a rare mix of awe and optimism. “Anyone who doubts Africa’s potential should come here. This refinery embodies what our continent should focus on: vision, industrialization, and trust in ourselves.”
The visit was more than a tour; it was a moment of affirmation for the private sector’s critical role in shaping Africa’s future. The Dangote Refinery produces fuel to Euro V standards, meeting stringent environmental requirements that many imported fuels fail to satisfy. This means cleaner air, healthier communities, and a more sustainable future for the West African region.
Dr. Touray emphasized that the refinery’s success challenges long-held assumptions. “We often import petroleum products below our standards, but here is a regional company that not only meets but exceeds those standards,” he noted. “The private sector must lead ECOWAS’s industrialization journey.”
For Aliko Dangote, the man behind this colossal project, the refinery represents more than business success—it is a declaration of African self-reliance. Standing before the ECOWAS leaders, Dangote stressed the urgency of ending Africa’s dependence on imports.
“As long as we keep importing what we can produce, we will remain underdeveloped,” Dangote stated passionately. “This refinery is proof that Africa can build world-class infrastructure at scale.”
He addressed skeptics who questioned whether the refinery could meet Nigeria’s and the wider West African region’s fuel demands. “Now they are here to see the reality for themselves,” he said, “and to be encouraged to pursue large-scale industrial projects in their own countries.”
Beyond meeting energy needs, the refinery is already transforming lives. By locally refining petroleum products, it has slashed prices drastically—bringing the cost of petrol in Nigeria to nearly half that of neighboring countries. This drop is not just a statistic; it translates into real savings for families, reduced costs for farmers and miners, and a stronger, more competitive economy.
For millions of Nigerians, the Dangote Refinery is a source of hope—hope for jobs, hope for affordable energy, and hope for a prosperous Africa that builds and thrives on its own resources.
As the ECOWAS Commission celebrates its 50th anniversary, the message from this visit is clear: Africa’s future lies in bold industrial projects, partnerships between governments and private enterprise, and a shared commitment to lifting the continent to new heights.
Dr. Touray summed it up best: “We must listen to African industrialists, understand their challenges, and work together to create policies that unleash their potential. Only then can we truly eradicate poverty, create jobs, and build lasting prosperity.”
With the Dangote Refinery lighting the path forward, Africa’s journey toward economic sovereignty feels more tangible than ever—a beacon for all who dare to dream big.
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