Renowned Nigerian academic and entrepreneur, Professor Ndubuisi Ekekwe, has commended the Dangote Petroleum Refinery for its groundbreaking contributions to the global and Nigerian energy sectors. In a recent Facebook post, Professor Ekekwe described the refinery as a “game changer” with far-reaching implications for international fuel markets and Nigeria’s economic landscape.
Citing a report from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), he highlighted the refinery’s impressive production capacity and high-quality output, which are redefining market dynamics. “With its impressive production capacity and high-quality petroleum products, the refinery has begun disrupting international fuel markets while gaining traction as the preferred supplier for Nigerian consumers,” Ekekwe noted.
The professor emphasized how the refinery is reducing Nigeria’s dependency on fuel imports, a significant shift that has disrupted global supply chains. He pointed out the decline of several European refineries, which are losing market share to West African producers. While acknowledging the challenges faced by competitors, Ekekwe stressed that Africa’s ability to build and sustain such industrial ventures is crucial to gaining global respect.
“Daily, I still wonder why Nigerians are hungry when we have Ekiti, where every home has a PhD, Ohafia, with its wealth of mansions, Kano’s historical trade routes, and Jos’s enviable climate,” he lamented, pointing to Nigeria’s vast yet underutilized potential.
Ekekwe urged stakeholders to replicate the success of the Dangote Refinery in other critical sectors such as steel and electricity. He argued that resolving Nigeria’s energy challenges at the household level would revolutionize the country’s economy and significantly enhance the quality of life for millions of citizens.
He concluded with praise for Aliko Dangote, the founder of the refinery, describing him as a visionary leader who empowers Nigerians and inspires hope for a prosperous future. “Aliko Dangote: Chukwu gozie gi (May our good Lord continue to bless you). He does what it takes to give people back their power,” Ekekwe wrote.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which is Africa’s largest, continues to attract global attention, solidifying its status as a beacon of industrial progress in Nigeria and beyond.