In a significant development for Nigeria’s energy sector, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has commenced the loading of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos. This marks a major milestone in the country’s efforts to boost local fuel production and reduce dependency on imports.
According to NNPCL spokesperson Olufemi Soneye, “NNPC Ltd. trucks are arriving at the Dangote Refinery in preparation for the scheduled petrol loading on Sunday, September 15, 2024. By the end of today, at least 300 trucks will be stationed at the refinery’s fuel loading gantry”. This large-scale operation is expected to significantly alleviate fuel scarcity and stabilise petrol prices across the country.
The Lagos State Government has also taken proactive measures to manage the anticipated surge in traffic along the Lekki-Ajah-Epe corridor. Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, stated, “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has been fortified with state-of-the-art equipment and trained personnel to oversee and regulate traffic flow within the affected areas.”
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that Nigerians benefit from the Dangote Refinery’s capacity to produce high-quality fuel locally. The refinery, which is one of the largest in the world, is expected to play a crucial role in meeting the nation’s fuel demands and reducing the cost of petrol at the pump.
Nigerians have expressed optimism about the potential impact of this development. One resident, Adebayo Johnson, remarked, “This is a welcome development. We hope this will lead to more affordable petrol prices and end the long queues at filling stations.”
