Japanese Delegation Hails Dangote Refinery as a Technological Marvel
By Patience Ikpeme
The Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals complex has been hailed as an “astonishing masterpiece” that showcases Nigeria’s technological advancements on the global stage.
This accolade came from a high-level delegation from the Japanese Business Community in Nigeria, led by Japan’s Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo.
During a tour of the expansive facilities, which include the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Petrochemicals, and Fertiliser plants, the delegation expressed admiration for the state-of-the-art technology and the transformative impact of the project. They emphasized that the refinery reinforces Nigeria’s position as the gateway to Africa and a hub for technological innovation.
Takashi Oku, Managing Director of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), described the Dangote Refinery as a “remarkable project” and a point of immense pride for Nigeria. “We had heard about the excellence of the Dangote Refinery through the media, but seeing it in person has left us truly amazed by its vastness and grandeur,” Oku remarked. He noted that as the world’s largest single-train refinery, the facility is an ideal introduction to Nigeria for the global community.
Masahiro Tsuno, Managing Director of Itochu Nigeria Limited, called the refinery a “miracle” and “one of the wonders of the world.” Tsuno praised the size and automation of the refinery, highlighting that it was built by a single investor—Aliko Dangote—making it unique globally. “This size of a refinery built by one single investor is probably a miracle in the world. And I’m just actually witnessing a miracle, to be honest, today,” he said.
Tsuno revealed that Itochu Nigeria Limited is exploring opportunities to collaborate with the refinery across sectors, particularly in polypropylene and other petroleum products.
Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, described the refinery as the vision of Nigerian entrepreneur Aliko Dangote. He highlighted that the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) process for the refinery was undertaken by Dangote Industries, incorporating cutting-edge technologies from across the globe.
“It is a point of pride that a Nigerian company not only designed but also built the world’s largest single-train refinery complex,” Edwin said. He noted that Japanese equipment played a significant role in both the refinery and fertiliser plant, emphasizing opportunities for continued collaboration with Japanese firms.
Edwin also spoke on the refinery’s role in boosting downstream industries, generating employment, increasing tax revenues, and contributing significantly to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The Dangote Group reiterated that its petroleum products are in high demand worldwide, confirming exports to markets in Cameroon, Ghana, Angola, South Africa, and Europe. Products such as petrol, diesel, and jet fuel meet international standards and have already made a mark in global markets.
Edwin added that the Dangote Petrochemical project is expanding its polypropylene section to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports of the vital material, which is used in packaging, textiles, and automotive manufacturing.
By leveraging Africa’s crude oil resources, the Dangote Group aims to foster industrial development, create jobs, and drive economic growth. “We strive to create a virtuous cycle of industrial development, job creation, and economic prosperity,” Edwin said.
Edwin assured the Japanese delegation that Dangote Industries remains open to collaborations, especially in adopting advanced technologies. “With Japan’s focus on technological innovation, there is ample scope for cooperation and for supplying various types of technology,” he said, citing examples such as the company’s cement plant laboratory, which is robot-operated.
The delegation concluded their visit with a renewed commitment to deepening ties with Nigerian businesses, particularly with the Dangote Group, whose innovations continue to position Nigeria as a global leader in industrial and technological advancement.
