Ethnic Youth Leaders Praise Dangote for Petrol Export Milestone

Ethnic youth leaders have commended Aliko Dangote for Nigeria's transition to a net petrol exporter, a pivotal moment in the nation's economic history. According to a statement from the group, the Dangote refinery, based in Lekki, is projected to export 44,000 barrels per day (bpd) by March 2026, surpassing the country's imports, which are expected to drop to 41,000 bpd, the lowest level recorded.

This development indicates a structural shift in Nigeria's energy dynamics, as the country has historically exported crude oil while importing refined products due to inadequate domestic refining capacity. The group, represented by deputy spokesperson Mirabel Ashara, emphasized the importance of government policies under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in creating an enabling environment for private sector participation and restoring investor confidence in the oil and gas sector.

The statement highlighted that the refinery's operational capacity has increased to 650,000 bpd, with 565,000 bpd recorded in March, showcasing the resilience and ingenuity of Nigerian enterprise.