Nigeria is deepening its role in Africa’s fuel supply chain as the Dangote Refinery ramps up exports to multiple markets across the continent.
Traders have lifted 12 cargoes of refined petroleum products from the facility, totaling about 456,000 tonnes, with deliveries headed to Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Tanzania, Ghana and Togo.
The shipments come after the refinery reached a production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day in February, enabling it to push surplus volumes beyond Nigeria’s domestic needs.
The cargoes, which include Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), were sold on a Free on Board (FOB) basis to international traders for distribution to the destination countries.
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Industry observers say the scale of the exports points to a shift in regional fuel dynamics. “This accomplishment underscores the Dangote Refinery’s capability to not only meet but exceed Nigeria’s domestic fuel demands,” analysts noted.
They added that the refinery is increasingly supplying Euro 5-grade gasoline and diesel across West Africa, helping to improve fuel standards in markets that have historically relied on lower-quality imports.
Experts also believe the growing export activity could ease supply bottlenecks across the region. By supplying neighbouring and other economies, the refinery is expected to enhance energy security in West, East and Central Africa, while reducing delays tied to long-distance imports and lowering costs through closer sourcing.
“This also helps build stronger trade relations between Nigeria and key African economies,” analysts said.