Despite the commencement of operations at the Dangote Refinery, the Federal Government has confirmed that the combined output from the Dangote and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
(NNPCL) refineries is not yet meeting 50% of the country's domestic fuel demand, highlighting the ongoing reliance on imported fuel. This revelation underscores the challenges in achieving self-sufficiency in fuel supply, even with the presence of these major refining facilities.
The government has reiterated its commitment to increasing local refining capacity, emphasizing the strategic importance of ensuring energy security and economic stability. The Dangote Refinery, with its projected capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is expected to play a crucial role in reducing Nigeria's dependence on imported fuel. However, achieving full capacity and addressing distribution challenges will be essential for realizing its full potential.
The government is also working to rehabilitate and upgrade the NNPCL refineries to increase their output. The goal is to create a robust and sustainable refining sector that can meet the nation's growing energy needs and reduce the vulnerability to global oil price fluctuations.