Official Releases Figures Showing Dangote Refinery’s Successes in Boosting Nigeria’s Energy Economy 

An official of Dangote Refinery Ltd has released figures to prove that the company has saved Nigeria several billions of Naira since it began production in the country.

According to him, fuel imports have been reduced by 1.54 per cent in the first quarter of year 2025.

Mr. Sunday Esan, the Senior General Manager, Corporate Communications of Dangote Refinery Ltd, made the disclosure while delivering a lecture at the year 2025 Press Week of Lagos State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

The event which was organized on the theme, “Unlocking Opportunities for Businesses In A Challenging Economy: The Role Of The Media/Roadmaps To Energy Security In Nigeria,” was held in Lagos on Wednesday, 26th November, 2025.

Esan highlighted that while Nigeria spent $2.6 billion on imports in the first quarter of year 2024, the figure dropped to $1.2 billion by the first week or of the year 2025.

“Dangote Refinery has saved Nigeria over N10 billion annually in foreign exchange by replacing imports with local production,” the senior general manager elaborated.

Esan said that Dangote Refinery has helped curtail Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel importation, stabilize Nigeria’s Naira, created thousands of jobs, and positioned Nigeria as a regional energy hub by strengthening the nation’s energy supply chain.

He described Dangote Refinery Ltd as a national landmark that must be cherished and protected by all Nigerians considering its significant contributions to the national economy since it began refining petroleum products just over two years ago.

“The refinery has significantly curtailed oil imports. It is more than a national landmark; it is reducing foreign exchange outflows, driving GDP (Gross Domestic Product growth, creating jobs, positioning Nigeria as a regional energy hub, and strengthening our national energy supply,” Esan who was the keynote speaker on the occasion stated.

The communication expert disclosed that the refinery is reviewing its daily production from 650,000 barrels to 1.4 million barrels.

He asserted that the refinery continues to attract global interest, with ARAMCO, one of the world’s largest refiners, and United States (US) buyers indicating interest in Dangote Refinery Limited’s jet fuel.

“The refinery spans an area about seven times the size of Victoria Island in Lagos, requiring a minimum of five hours to tour by car.

“This shows the magnitude of the investment that one man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has brought to life,” Esan said.

He added that the 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks acquired for distributing refined products have created no fewer than 24,000 jobs.

On the role of the media in energy security, Esan emphasized the need for journalists, particularly NUJ members to set the right agenda and report accurately on issues affecting the energy sector and the general wellbeing of Nigerians.

“We want your members to come and visit the refinery, so your reports will be accurate and well-informed. When some people are bent on pulling it down, you will understand that this is a national asset we must protect,” he said.

Responding to Esan’s comments on agenda-setting, NUJ Chairman Mr. Adeleye Ajayi, and former National Trustee, Mr. Sylva Okereke, told the audience that the Union has consistently set national agenda at both state and federal levels.

They emphasized the need for Dangote Group and other stakeholders in the energy sector to remain open to media collaboration.

On his part, Mr. Udeme Akpan, Energy Editor at Vanguard Newspapers who was also a key speaker at the event, stated that businesses can benefit significantly from strong partnerships with the media, gaining credible information that is essential for daily decision-making.

 Akpan challenged the media to uphold credibility in their reportage in order to strengthen trust with the business community.