Ethnic Youth Leaders Hail Dangote As Refinery Turns Nigeria Into Net Petrol Exporter

The Ethnic Youth Leaders Forum has praised businessman Aliko Dangote for what it described as visionary leadership and a landmark investment in Nigeria’s energy sector, following the emergence of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as a key driver in making the country a net exporter of refined petrol for the first time.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the group characterised the development as a “defining moment in Nigeria’s economic history,” noting that it signalled a decisive break from decades of reliance on imported refined petroleum products despite Nigeria’s vast crude oil reserves.

According to available data, Nigeria reached a significant milestone in March 2026 when the Lagos-based refinery exported 44,000 barrels per day (bpd) of petrol, exceeding national imports, which fell to 41,000 bpd, the lowest level on record, as reported by global market intelligence firm Kpler. The resulting surplus of about 3,000 bpd points to a structural shift in the country’s energy landscape.

In the statement signed by the group’s Deputy Spokesperson, Mirabel Ashara, it noted that for years, Nigeria, Africa’s largest crude oil producer, grappled with the paradox of exporting crude oil while importing refined products due to limited domestic refining capacity.

It added that the coming on stream of the Dangote Refinery has begun to reverse that trend, enhancing energy security, conserving foreign exchange, and boosting national pride.

The forum further stated that crude supply to the 650,000 bpd refinery rose to about 565,000 bpd in March, reflecting strong operational performance and sustained scale since operations commenced in late 2023.

It also acknowledged the role of government policies under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which it said have created an enabling environment for private sector participation and renewed investor confidence in the oil and gas sector.

“The achievement recorded by the Dangote Refinery is not only a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Nigerian enterprise but also a clear indication that with the right policies and leadership, Nigeria can attain industrial self-sufficiency and global competitiveness,” the statement read.

The group urged other investors to replicate such bold initiatives that can transform key sectors of the economy, create jobs, and drive sustainable development.