In a historic shift for Nigeria’s energy sector, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals recorded a major milestone in March 2026, exporting 44,000 barrels per day of gasoline. For the first time, the refinery operated as a net exporter, posting a surplus of about 3,000 barrels per day. The development signals a turning point not just for the refinery, but for Nigeria’s long-standing reliance on imported refined fuel.
For decades, Nigeria—despite being Africa’s largest oil producer—depended heavily on fuel imports to meet domestic demand. That narrative is now changing. Analysts say the surge in exports is expected to bring in much-needed foreign exchange, helping stabilize the naira and reduce pressure on the country’s forex market. The refinery’s growing output is also strengthening confidence in Nigeria’s broader economic recovery efforts.
The March figures highlight a rapid move toward self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products. At the same time, fuel imports dropped sharply to a record low of 41,000 barrels per day, effectively ending a costly cycle that drained billions from Nigeria’s reserves over the years. This shift represents more than just numbers—it reflects a structural transformation in how the country manages its energy needs.
Beyond domestic gains, the refinery is already expanding its footprint across Africa. It recently shipped 317,000 barrels of gasoline to Mozambique, marking its first export to East Africa, with another delivery scheduled soon. This expansion places Nigeria in direct competition with traditional suppliers from the Middle East and adds new pressure on European refiners already facing an oversupplied market.
With a processing capacity of 650,000 barrels per day and crude intake reaching about 565,000 barrels daily in March, the refinery is nearing peak operational levels. Backed by reforms under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the project is becoming central to Nigeria’s economic strategy. Aliko Dangote has credited government policies for enabling this scale of success, as the refinery continues to reshape Nigeria’s role in global energy markets—transitioning from a major importer to an emerging export powerhouse.
source: Business day