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The Promising Impact of Dangote Refinery on Nigeria’s Petroleum Sector.
In a recent statement, Aliko Dangote, the President and Chairman of Dangote Group, asserted that his refinery located in Lekki, which boasts a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, can fulfill Nigeria’s entire petroleum production requirements. This announcement came during a facility tour attended by Zambia’s Minister for Energy, Makozo Chikote.
Dangote emphasized the refinery’s capability to generate sufficient quantities of refined products, including gasoline, diesel, and kerosene, not only for domestic consumption but also for export. “We have more than enough. The refinery is producing enough refined products to meet 100 percent of Nigeria’s requirements,” he remarked, reinforcing the facility’s role in enhancing the country’s energy independence.
Notably, earlier reports indicated that the refinery holds over N600 billion worth of petrol in its reserves. This revelation arrives at a time when the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) stated that local refineries, including Dangote’s, were only meeting 50 percent of Nigeria’s petrol needs as of February 2025. This assertion has sparked discussions, particularly in light of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) ongoing fuel import activities, which it has denied.
The commencement of fuel rollout by Dangote Refinery in September 2024 has created a competitive environment, leading to tensions between the refinery and NNPCL. As the situation unfolds, the potential of Dangote’s refinery could prove pivotal in reshaping Nigeria’s petroleum landscape, fostering self-sufficiency and economic stability within the sector.
Nigerian Afrobeats artist David Adeleke, known globally as Davido, has levied strong criticism against the Nigerian government, claiming it to be among the “worst governments” worldwide. Speaking recently on Apple Music’s Ebro Darden show, Davido highlighted the disparity between the nation’s governance and the positive international image cultivated by its entertainment industry.
He argued that despite perceived failings in leadership, Nigerian music and entertainment have significantly impacted the country’s global perception, attracting tourists and showcasing Nigerian culture on a global stage. Davido specifically noted the influx of American visitors to Lagos during the past December festive season, attributing it to the burgeoning entertainment scene and cultural appeal. His comments underscore a growing sentiment within the Nigerian creative sector, recognizing its power to shape international narratives and attract foreign interest.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has mandated the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release businesswoman and socialite, Aisha Achimugu, within a 24-hour timeframe. Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the order on Wednesday, following Achimugu’s arrest by EFCC operatives at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport on Tuesday.
While the EFCC presented Achimugu before the court earlier on Wednesday, the court has now directed all parties involved to report compliance with the release order by May 2, 2025. The reasons underpinning Achimugu’s arrest and the subsequent court order remain a matter of public interest and further developments are anticipated.
Iran’s judiciary announced the execution of Mohsen Langarneshin on Wednesday morning, accusing him of espionage on behalf of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. According to the official news agency Mizan, Langarneshin provided extensive logistical, technical, and operational support to Mossad from 2020.
He was further implicated in the May 2022 assassination of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Colonel Sayyad Khodai. The judiciary claims Langarneshin provided intelligence and surveillance that facilitated the killing, for which Israel reportedly claimed responsibility to the United States. He was also accused of aiding an attack on an industrial site in Isfahan linked to Iran’s Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics.
Iranian authorities cited “extensive intelligence and technical evidence” and a full confession from Langarneshin as justification for the execution. This event underscores the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel and the severity with which Iran addresses perceived threats to its national security.
