The Dangote Refinery has exported approximately one million tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), which is equivalent to 1.33 billion litres, within 50 days, marking a significant milestone for Nigeria’s ambitions to become a net exporter of refined petroleum products.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, made the disclosure on Tuesday during the Global Commodity Insights Conference on West African Refined Fuel Markets. The conference, hosted in partnership with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and S&P Global Insights, brought together key industry stakeholders.
“Today, Nigeria has actually become a net exporter of refined products,” Dangote announced. “Before I came on the podium, I asked my people how many tonnes of PMS we have exported. From early June to date, we’ve shipped out about one million tonnes.”
Surging Exports Amid Local Supply Questions
The revelation comes as some industry observers question whether the refinery can meet Nigeria’s domestic fuel demand. Despite the large export volumes, many independent marketers continue to import PMS into the country, raising concerns about distribution bottlenecks and pricing disparities.
Nevertheless, Dangote’s announcement signals growing operational momentum at the 650,000 bpd capacity refinery, which began supplying PMS to the domestic market earlier this year and has since expanded into international markets.
Aviation Fuel, Cement Also Targeted for Export
Beyond petrol exports, the Dangote Group has also begun shipping aviation fuel to destinations in Europe and Saudi Arabia. These exports mark a major shift for Nigeria, which for decades relied heavily on refined product imports despite being Africa’s largest crude producer.
In the cement sector, Dangote revealed plans to grow clinker and cement exports to $500 million annually by 2027. “What we’re doing with cement, we’re replicating in petroleum,” he noted.
As the refinery ramps up production and expands its export footprint, analysts say the development could reshape West Africa’s energy trade dynamics, though concerns about local supply, pricing, and downstream logistics remain critical to watch.