As construction work intensifies at Dangote Refinery which will become the biggest single-train refinery in the world upon completion, oil distributors in Ghana and elsewhere in Africa have already begun to pledge their patronage. This is in readiness for the commencement of operations at the refinery.
The Ghanian distributors said arrangements have already been made in this regard.
Meanwhile, expectations were high regarding Dangote Refinery as oil distributors in Ghana and other African countries met in Accra for the Ghanaian International Petroleum Conference. Participants at the energy conference which held between June 6th to 8th had expressed their willingness to partner the Lekki-based refinery which is expected to pump out about 650,000 barrels of refined crude per day.
Similarly, the Ghanaian Government also believes that it would be more profitable for African countries to import petroleum products from Dangote Refinery instead of depending on international supplies which are more expensive and often influenced by factors such as forex, the Punch reveals.
“We will rather purchase from the Dangote Refinery due to the proximity of the refinery to Ghana and other neighbours.” – Ghanian Government
The country’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo, who was represented at the conference by his Vice, Mahamud Bawumia, stated that they are eagerly awaiting the commencement of the refinery.
While inspecting Dangote Refinery’s exhibition stand alongside the country’s Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko, the Vice President also expressed satisfaction over the magnitude of refinery project by Dangote and the speed with which construction work was being completed.
Mr Babajide Soyode, the Technical Adviser to Aliko Dangote, the President of Dangote Group, led the Dangote Refinery team to the conference.
The Dangote Group is a diversified conglomerate, with interests across a wide range of sectors. Current interests include cement, sugar, flour, salt, pasta, beverages and real estate, with new projects in development in oil and natural gas, telecommunications, fertilizer, and steel, etc.
The company is presence in several African countries.