A high-level delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), led by Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, visited the 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery over the weekend.
The delegation commended the facility’s contributions to regional energy security, price stability and industrial development across West Africa.
The visit comes amid growing recognition of the refinery’s role in reducing fuel prices and lowering production costs across multiple sectors in Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
The Dangote Group, in an official statement released on Sunday, stated that the delegation toured the facility to evaluate its capacity and its contribution to West Africa’s energy transformation agenda.
Speaking during the visit, Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote highlighted that Nigerians currently pay only 55 percent of what is charged in other West African countries for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
“In neighbouring countries, the average price of petrol is around $1 per litre, which translates to about N1,600. Here at our refinery, we are selling at N815 to N820 per litre. Many Nigerians are not aware they are paying significantly less due to local refining,” Dangote said.
He reiterated that the facility has had a broad impact on energy affordability since it commenced operations.
“Last year, when we began diesel production, we were able to cut the price from N1,700 to N1,100 instantly. That reduction has supported the mining sector, industrial production, and the agricultural value chain,” he added.
Dangote underscored the need for intra-African trade and self-reliance in industrial production.
He noted that Africa’s dependence on imported petroleum products has stunted economic growth and increased vulnerability to foreign exchange volatility.
“As long as we continue to import what we can produce, we will remain underdeveloped. This refinery is proof that we can build for ourselves at scale, to global standards,” he said.
During the facility tour, ECOWAS President Dr. Touray commended the scope of the refinery and its positive impact on regional energy stability.
He acknowledged the facility as a strategic asset that can help reduce the region’s dependence on foreign refined products and improve trade integration within ECOWAS member states.
Dangote addressed lingering doubts over the refinery’s production capacity, asserting that the facility is equipped to meet Nigeria’s domestic fuel demand and also supply neighbouring countries.
“There have been claims that we cannot meet Nigeria’s needs, let alone supply West Africa. Today, ECOWAS officials have seen the reality on the ground,” he stated.
He also revealed that a new, large-scale initiative is underway, although details remain undisclosed. “This refinery is built for Nigerians, and we are just at the beginning. There is more to come that will further deepen our impact,” he said.
The refinery, which is considered the world’s largest single-train facility, has become a cornerstone in Nigeria’s effort to reduce fuel importation, stabilize local energy prices, and promote industrial self-sufficiency.
With OPEC+ production decisions, foreign exchange volatility, and fuel subsidy concerns continuing to impact regional markets, the Dangote Refinery is positioned to play a pivotal role in reshaping West Africa’s energy landscape.
Market observers are expected to monitor ongoing output levels, pricing developments, and trade flows in the coming quarters as the refinery scales operations.
