Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, expressed his criticism of several international oil companies (IOCs), including Shell, ExxonMobil, and Chevron, for their lack of progress in establishing a multi-billion dollar refinery in Nigeria. He highlighted Dangote's accomplishments in this regard and emphasized the need for these IOCs to contribute to the development of Nigeria's refining sector.
Edwin emphasized that the Dangote Refinery has accomplished what Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and other IOCs have not by constructing a $20 billion facility in Nigeria.
He made these remarks while hosting members of the Senate Committee on Trade and Investment at the refinery complex in Lekki, Lagos State.
During the visit, Edwin informed the senators, led by Committee Chairman Sadiq Umar, that Dangote Refinery, a Nigerian enterprise, accepted the challenge of building the largest single-train refinery globally. He noted that only about six companies worldwide have the capability to undertake such a project.
“A Nigerian company has taken on a challenge that no one, including Shell, Chevron, or ExxonMobil, has ever accomplished anywhere in the world. Thus, Dangote Projects Limited rose to the occasion and completed the refinery on schedule, making it the largest single-train refinery in the world,” he stated.
In response, Chairman Umar assured the refinery of the National Assembly’s backing. He remarked that the $20 billion project is a national asset that requires protection.
Umar expressed, “As legislators, we recognize the significance of what you have achieved here for the country. We will do everything within our means to support your success, as it is vital for Nigeria’s progress.”
This investment we are witnessing is aimed at benefiting both the nation and the global community, rather than solely serving Dangote's interests. It is our duty to determine how we can best support him.
"I believe you can observe numerous initiatives taken by the president to assist him, ensuring that the country reaps the rewards."
This statement follows Bloomberg's report on Wednesday indicating that the Dangote Refinery, which has a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, has resumed crude imports from the United States after a three-month hiatus to enhance its production capabilities.
This development may be linked to the insufficient crude supply from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), despite the naira-for-crude-sales agreement established between the federal government and Dangote Refinery.