In a significant move to bolster Nigeria’s fuel distribution network, NNPC Ltd. has begun mobilizing a large fleet of trucks to the Dangote Refinery in preparation for a major petrol loading operation scheduled for Sunday, September 15, 2024. The refinery, located in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, is set to take a pivotal role in reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel products, and this upcoming loading marks a critical step in the refinery’s operations.
By Saturday afternoon, over 100 trucks had already made their way to the refinery’s fuel loading gantry, with hundreds more expected to arrive over the course of the weekend.
These trucks will be used to transport petrol from the refinery to various distribution points across the country, signaling a significant effort by NNPC Ltd. to meet growing domestic demand and address fuel supply challenges.
The Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest, has been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy strategy since it began limited operations earlier this year. This petrol loading is the latest in a series of operational milestones aimed at increasing local refining capacity. It comes as part of a broader effort to ensure the steady supply of petrol across the nation, with hopes that such initiatives will ease pressure on the country’s foreign exchange by curbing the importation of refined petroleum products.
As NNPC Ltd. continues to ramp up logistics and transportation for the refinery’s output, the industry anticipates smoother distribution, which is expected to significantly impact the fuel market and pricing in Nigeria.