Products from the newly-inaugurated petrochemical refinery owned by Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote will be available in the market from the end of July or beginning of August this year.

President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, announced this in his remarks during the official inauguration of the massive plant in Lagos.

Africa’s richest man said the commissioning ceremony was just the beginning of an exciting trajectory for the downstream sector of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Mr. Dangote pledged that the firm’s commitment and quality output will be replicated in the oil sector the same way it has been achieved in the cement and fertiliser markets, where Nigeria transited from being the largest importer of these products to a net exporter.

“It is our firm commitment that we will replicate in this sector what we have achieved in the cement and fertiliser markets, where Nigeria transited from being the largest importer of these products to a net exporter.

“Your excellencies, distinguished guests, our first product will be in the market before the end of July or beginning of August this year,” Mr Dangote said

He again added that the company would ensure that its plants operate at maximum capacity and efficiency in order to export competitively to other markets.

“There will be constant availability of high-quality fuels for our transportation sector, the refinery will also make available to our industries vital raw materials for a wide range of manufacturing,” he said.

“Our group’s corporate vision is driven by our mission to produce what we consume and to promote self-sufficiency in the basic needs of our people. We decided on a plant designed with state-of-the-art technology and a scale in a capacity that will be a game-changer in Africa and the global market.

“We have built a refinery with a capacity to process 650,000 barrels per day in a single train which is the largest in the world. We have selected the best plants, equipment and the latest technologies from across the world.”

Recall that the outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated the Dangote Petrochemical refinery on Monday, amid great anticipation that it will have an impact on Nigeria’s oil and gas sector as well as the overall economy of the West African country.

The event was attended by leaders from West African sub-regions including Nigeria’s President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu among other top dignitaries.

When fully operational, the plant has the capacity to produce about 650,000 barrels of petroleum products a day – more than enough to meet Nigeria’s needs. The plant also includes a power station, deep seaport and fertiliser plant.