The Home of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Assets, Downstream has described the report that Dangote Refinery has achieved a historic milestone as a significant increase to Nigeria’s vitality sector and a validation of ongoing reforms within the downstream petroleum business.
Nigeria crossed a milestone in its vitality historical past in March 2026 when the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals exported extra refined petrol than the nation imported, making Africa’s largest crude producer a internet exporter of refined gas for the primary time.
The Lekki-based facility shipped 44,000 barrels per day (bpd) of petrol throughout the month, whereas Nigeria’s petrol imports fell to 41,000 bpd, the bottom degree ever recorded in keeping with market intelligence agency Kpler.
The ensuing surplus of roughly 3,000 bpd marks the top of a structural anomaly that had outlined Nigeria’s financial system for many years: a rustic that sat on huge crude reserves however shipped refined merchandise again dwelling as a result of it lacked the processing capability to serve its personal inhabitants.
Crude provide to the 650,000 bpd refinery climbed to roughly 565,000 bpd in March, the second-highest throughput since operations started in late 2023, pointing to sustained utilisation at scale. Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Govt of Dangote Industries Restricted, credited the {economic} and vitality sector reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration for creating the coverage situations that made large-scale home refining commercially viable and restored investor confidence within the sector.
In a press release by the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the lawmakers stated that the event represents a watershed second for Nigeria’s downstream petroleum business and a robust sign that home refining capability is starting to stabilize the nation’s vitality provide chain.
The Committee described the achievement as a “nationwide delight milestone,” noting that it displays the impression of personal sector funding in addressing long-standing inefficiencies within the petroleum worth chain.
They recommended the efficiency of the Dangote refinery, stating that the shift from heavy import dependence to internet export standing, even when marginal, demonstrates the potential of native refining to remodel Nigeria’s {economic} construction.
Lawmakers additional famous that the event is predicted to ease strain on international alternate demand, enhance gas availability, and strengthen vitality safety if sustained over time.
They urged regulatory companies to make sure transparency, effectivity, and safety of important petroleum infrastructure to maintain the positive aspects recorded within the sector.
The Committee reaffirmed its dedication to legislative backing for insurance policies that encourage home refining, assist industrial development, and place Nigeria as a number one vitality hub in Africa.