Japan Endorse Dangote Refinery as Symbol of Nigeria’s Technological Potentials

By Jessica Osajie / Posted December 17, 2024

The Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Complex increasingly gaining global recognition, signposting Nigeria’s technological progress and economic potentials.

Recently, a high-profile delegation, led by Japan’s Ambassador-designate Suzuki Hideo, alongside JETRO’s Managing Director, Takashi Oku, during their facility tour, praised the state-of-the-art facilities at the Dangote Refinery, positioning it as a game-changer for Nigeria’s image globally.

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Their acknowledgment underscores Nigeria’s pivotal role as the “Gateway to Africa” for industrial and technological advancements. Dangote Group highlighted the increasing global demand for its petroleum products, signaling the refinery’s ability to compete on the international market.

The Dangote Group is looking to expand its polypropylene section, crucial for sectors like packaging, textiles, and automotive manufacturing, to address Nigeria’s dependency on imports and drive local industrial growth.

Undoubtedly, the private project not only solidifies Nigeria’s economic leadership but also positions it as a hub for technological and industrial transformation across Africa.

The Japanese delegation’s visit highlights opportunities for further trade partnerships and investment.

This development not only demonstrates the success of the Dangote Group’s vision but also reinforces Nigeria’s potential to attract international investors, foster innovation, and drive industrial self-sufficiency in critical sectors.

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The Ambassador remarked that the facility, as the world’s largest single-train refinery, is a point of immense pride for Nigeria. JETRO is Japan’s governmental organisation for trade and investment.

“We had heard about the excellence of the Dangote Refinery through the media but seeing it in person has left us truly amazed by its vastness and grandeur.

“It demonstrates that Nigeria’s population is not only growing but also advancing in technology. We are keen to collaborate with Nigerian companies, especially Dangote Refinery,” he said.
Emphasizing that the refinery has bolstered Nigeria’s leading position in Africa, he further noted that the facility serves as an ideal introduction to the country for the global community.

Managing Director of Itochu Nigeria Limited, Masahiro Tsuno, also praised the sheer size and automation of the Dangote Refinery, calling it a miracle and one of the wonders of the world.
“I’ve seen many standalone refineries across the globe, including in Vietnam and the Middle East. However, this size of a refinery built by one single investor is probably a miracle in the world. And I’m just actually witnessing a miracle, to be honest, today,” he said.

Tsuno indicated that his company would seek collaboration with the refinery across various sectors, including polypropylene and other petroleum products.

Commending the ambassador-designate and his team, which described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a wonder of modern technology, Vice President of Oil and Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, explained that the facility is the vision of a Nigerian investor – Aliko Dangote, designed and built by Nigerians, and intended to serve the global market.

He said that it is a point of pride that a Nigerian company not only designed but also built the world’s largest single-train refinery complex.

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Dangote Industries Limited, a Nigerian company, acted as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor for the refinery.

In the process, cutting-edge technologies from around the world were incorporated to ensure that the facility meets the highest standards.

Edwin assured the ambassador-designate and the delegation that the company is open to collaboration, always striving to maintain the best possible standards.

“Even now, we have a lot of Japanese equipment inside both the refinery and the fertiliser plant. There are significant opportunities for collaboration, as we always seek the latest technology in any business we engage in.

“For instance, our cement plant laboratory is managed by robots, and we always embrace advanced technology. With Japan’s focus on technological innovation, there is ample scope for cooperation and for supplying various types of technology,” he said.

Edwin also stated that the Dangote Petrochemical project will significantly boost investment in downstream industries, creating substantial value, generating employment, increasing tax revenues, reducing foreign exchange outflows, and contributing to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He confirmed that products from the refinery meet international standards and are already being exported globally.

“In recent weeks, we’ve exported petrol to Cameroon, Ghana, Angola, and South Africa among others. Diesel has gone all over the world, and jet fuel is being heavily exported to European markets. Our products are already making their mark internationally,” he said.

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He further added that by leveraging Africa’s vast crude oil resources to produce refined products locally, the Dangote Group aims to create a virtuous cycle of industrial development, job creation, and economic prosperity.

This development not only demonstrates the success of the Dangote Group’s vision but also reinforces Nigeria’s potential to attract international investors, foster innovation, and drive industrial self-sufficiency in critical sectors.

Note: Jessica is on Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) at DDNEWSONLINE.COM from the Department of Mass Communications, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).