For Aliko Dangote, it seems anything he touches turns into gold. And this trend seems set to continue with the Dangote refinery still under construction in Lagos State. The refinery, not billed to commence operations until late 2019, is already looking like a game changer among West African nations.
According to Vanguard, several West African nations are already making plans to import petroleum products from the refinery. For example, participants from Benin Republic and other nations who preferred to remain anonymous, said that that their nations looked forward to the 650,000 barrels per day refinery for supplies.
If these ‘anonymous’ sources are still doubtful, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Amin Adam could not mince words over his anticipation of the refinery’s commencement.
“The government of Ghana is currently developing a Downstream Petroleum Infrastructure Master plan, aimed at enhancing the pace of infrastructure sourcing with a regional context in mind.” he said.
That the refinery features in the “regional context” alluded to by Adam is almost undisputable as he formed part of the team that inspected the work at the refinery.
The Dangote refinery also plays a big part of Nigeria’s petroleum plans as it is expected to produce a significant role in satisfying domestic demand for petroleum products.At the same summit where Adam made his statement, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu also expressed his eagerness for the refinery to come on board.
“The challenge I will give you today is that of time, I see your time for completion is 2019 December but I am sure you will understand my greed if I tell you that the refinery component of this project should come earlier than the set date” Kachikwu enthused.
