The Dangote Group has announced plans to transport refined petroleum products by sea as part of efforts to ease the pressure on Nigeria’s road networks. This development was confirmed by Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, the Senior Adviser to the Group President on Special Projects and Strategic Relations, in a statement released on Sunday.
Wali-Abdurrahman highlighted the construction of a jetty within the Lekki Free Zone, designed to handle bulk cargo during the refinery’s development. She explained that the company plans to use seaports to export products to various African countries, as well as transport finished petroleum products to other ports along Nigeria’s coastline. This initiative will support further distribution to inland regions and reduce the reliance on road transport.
“Today, we are exporting our products to many African countries through the seaport. We also plan to ease the pressure on the roads from the refinery by transporting finished petroleum products to other ports along the Nigerian coast by sea, for further distribution to the hinterland,” Wali-Abdurrahman stated.
The statement was made during the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) trade fair, where the Dangote Group, a major sponsor of the event, attracted considerable attention with its exhibit showcasing its state-of-the-art oil refinery, which has recently commenced the discharging of petroleum products.
Attendees were also introduced to the company’s other business units, including Dangote Fertiliser, Dangote Sugar, NASCON (Dangote Salt), and Dangote Cement. Many visitors expressed interest in exploring business and job opportunities within the conglomerate.
One participant, Peter Ibrahim, remarked, “I am here at the Dangote booth to find out what business and job opportunities are available at the Dangote Refinery. We know the company must have created several opportunities.”
Similarly, Sale Sagir, a cement dealer, said, “Let me be honest. I came to this trade fair because of the Dangote Group. I sell cement, but now I have come to find out what it takes to be a distributor of other products, especially the Dangote Petroleum products.”
The statement also emphasized the company’s investment in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) technology, which aims to reduce its carbon footprint and operational costs. Over the past decade, about one-third of the company’s fleet has been converted to CNG, with plans to convert the entire fleet.
ACCI President, Chief Emeka Obegolu, praised the Dangote Group’s role in driving Nigeria’s industrialization. Represented by Vice President Legal, Aisha Abdullahi, Obegolu commended the company’s commitment to the country’s development, adding, “The taxes paid by the group have contributed significantly to national revenue, funding infrastructure projects and social programmes that benefit millions of Nigerians.”
The initiative to transport refined petroleum products by sea, combined with the company’s continued investment in infrastructure and environmental sustainability, underscores the Dangote Group’s contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth.
