Japan hails Dangote Refinery a wonder of modern technology
The Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals complex has been lauded as an extraordinary achievement, showcasing Nigeria’s technological advancements on the global stage.
This praise was shared by a delegation from the Japanese business community in Nigeria, led by Japan’s Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo. The Dangote Group also highlighted the growing global demand for its petroleum products, noting its expansion into the polypropylene sector. This move is aimed at reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported polypropylene, a key material used in packaging, textiles, and the automotive manufacturing industries.
The Japanese delegation, which toured the impressive facilities housing both the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as well as Dangote Fertilisers, commended the state-of-the-art technology on display. They noted that the complex reinforces Nigeria’s position as a gateway to Africa.
Managing Director of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), Takashi Oku, remarked that while Nigeria remains the gateway to Africa, the Dangote Refinery stands as a remarkable project that highlights the country’s technological progress. He added that, as the world’s largest single-train refinery, it is a source of immense pride for Nigeria. JETRO is Japan’s governmental organisation for trade and investment.
“We had heard about the excellence of the Dangote Refinery through the media, but seeing it in person has left us truly amazed by its vastness and grandeur. It demonstrates that Nigeria’s population is not only growing but also advancing in technology. We are keen to collaborate with Nigerian companies, especially Dangote Refinery,” Oku said.
He further emphasised that the refinery has strengthened Nigeria’s leadership position in Africa, noting that the facility serves as an ideal introduction to the country for the global community.
Managing Director of Itochu Nigeria Limited, Masahiro Tsuno, also praised the sheer size and automation of the Dangote Refinery, calling it a “miracle” and one of the wonders of the world.
“I’ve seen many standalone refineries across the globe, including in Vietnam and the Middle East. However, this size of a refinery built by a single investor is probably a miracle in the world. And I’m just actually witnessing a miracle today,” Tsuno said.
He indicated that his company would explore collaboration with the refinery across various sectors, including polypropylene and other petroleum products.
Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, thanked the ambassador-designate and his team for their commendations, describing the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a marvel of modern technology. He explained that the facility is the vision of Nigerian investor Aliko Dangote, designed and built by Nigerians, and intended to serve the global market.
Edwin added that it is a source of immense pride that a Nigerian company not only designed but also constructed the world’s largest single-train refinery complex. Dangote Industries Limited, a Nigerian company, acted as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor for the refinery. During the construction process, cutting-edge technologies from around the world were incorporated to ensure that the facility met the highest standards. Edwin assured the ambassador-designate and the delegation that the company remains open to collaboration, continually striving to maintain the best possible standards.
“Even now, we have a lot of Japanese equipment inside both the refinery and the fertiliser plant. There are significant opportunities for collaboration, as we always seek the latest technology in any business we engage in. For instance, our cement plant laboratory is managed by robots, and we always embrace advanced technology. With Japan’s focus on technological innovation, there is ample scope for cooperation and for supplying various types of technology,” Edwin said.
Edwin also noted that the Dangote Petrochemical project would significantly boost investment in downstream industries, creating substantial value, generating employment, increasing tax revenues, reducing foreign exchange outflows, and contributing to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He confirmed that products from the refinery meet international standards and are already being exported globally.
“In recent weeks, we’ve exported petrol to Cameroon, Ghana, Angola, and South Africa, among others. Diesel has gone all over the world, and jet fuel is being heavily exported to European markets. Our products are already making their mark internationally,” he said.
Edwin further explained that by leveraging Africa’s vast crude oil resources to produce refined products locally, the Dangote Group aims to create a virtuous cycle of industrial development, job creation, and economic prosperity.
