Dangote Set To Shake Nigeria’s Oil Industry With Groundbreaking Downstream OverhaulAliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and President of Dangote Group, has pledged a sweeping transformation of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, promising a dramatic “shakedown” that could redefine the oil landscape.
Following President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the massive $20 billion Dangote Refinery in Lekki, Lagos, Dangote hinted at major developments on the horizon. “We’re not just talking about price cuts,” he told journalists, “we’re talking about a total overhaul of the downstream sector. You’ll soon hear from us — something that will shake the entire country.”
Although Dangote stopped short of revealing full details, he emphasized that the coming changes would be bold and far-reaching. “We’re going on a massive trajectory,” he said. “This refinery, impressive as it is, will be just the beginning. In five years, it may be on the back burner compared to what’s coming.”
He confirmed plans to list the refinery on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, starting with the group’s fertiliser division later this year.
Praising President Tinubu’s economic reforms, Dangote said the administration had created a stronger foundation for industrial growth and long-term investment. He particularly lauded Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy,” which prioritizes local production and reduces dependence on foreign imports — a policy that aligns perfectly with the Dangote Group’s long-held vision of self-sufficiency.
He also applauded the government’s infrastructure initiatives, especially the Nigerian Road Infrastructure Development Fund and the Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, under which eight major roads — including the Lekki-Epe corridor — have been awarded contracts totaling ₦900 billion.
“The refinery is just one part of our broader mission to make Nigeria a manufacturing powerhouse,” Dangote said. He pointed to similar successes in cement and fertilizer, where Nigeria has become not only self-sufficient but a net exporter.
He revealed that the group has begun exporting refined petroleum products to countries including the United States and Saudi Arabia, adding that the days of long queues at petrol stations in Nigeria are now history.
“We’re fully committed to supporting Nigeria’s transformation,” Dangote said. “We’ve been the nation’s highest tax-paying company, contributing ₦450 billion last year alone. This year, we’re spending ₦900 billion on roads, including the Deep Sea Port Access Road and projects that will link Nigeria to Chad and Cameroon.”
During the visit, President Tinubu praised Dangote’s faith in Nigeria and his game-changing investments, describing the refinery as “a remarkable achievement” and “a major reference point for industrial and economic growth.”
“I initiated the Deep Sea Port project during my time as Lagos State Governor,” Tinubu said, “and now it’s eliminating trans-shipment costs and transforming our logistics system.”
The President dubbed Dangote one of Nigeria’s “four wise men” in the economic space, alongside Jim Ovia of Zenith Bank, Femi Otedola, and Abdul Samad Rabiu of BUA. “But the wisest of them all,” Tinubu declared, “is Aliko Dangote — daring, visionary, and deeply patriotic.”
In a symbolic gesture, Dangote announced that the main access road to the refinery will be renamed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road in honor of the President’s unwavering support.
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