The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting indigenous investments in the oil and gas sector, describing the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a landmark project that demonstrates Nigeria's industrial potential and capacity for economic transformation.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, stated this during a working visit to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals complex located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos.
Lokpobiri, who was accompanied by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Patience Oyekunle, and other senior government officials, said the visit enabled the delegation to assess the progress of one of the country's largest privately owned industrial projects.
According to him, the refinery represents a major milestone in Nigeria's drive to industrialise and achieve greater self-reliance in petroleum refining.
"The visit provided an opportunity to witness the impressive progress being made by one of Nigeria's leading indigenous investments and to appreciate its growing contribution to the country's economic development," the minister said.
Lokpobiri reaffirmed the government's determination to provide a conducive environment for local investors whose projects create employment, strengthen industrial capacity and increase value addition within the domestic economy.
He noted that the Dangote Refinery has shown that Nigerian investors can successfully execute world-class industrial projects capable of competing globally while delivering significant economic benefits.
The minister also called on other indigenous entrepreneurs to undertake similar large-scale investments that would expand the country's manufacturing base, reduce import dependence and support long-term economic growth.
"As we celebrate this achievement, we encourage more Nigerian investors to embark on transformative projects that will deepen industrialisation, promote self-sufficiency and accelerate sustainable national development," he said.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, regarded as Africa's largest single-train refinery, is expected to play a key role in meeting Nigeria's domestic fuel needs while supplying refined petroleum products to regional and international markets.
Leave a Reply