‘8th world wonder’ — What Otedola said about Dangote as refinery starts production

Billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola has hailed Aliko Dangote, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dangote Group for the commencement of production at the refinery, describing it as the 8th wonder of the world.

Otedola made this known in a post on his X handle on Sunday, December 10 as he expressed his view on the giant oil plant.

Since its launch early this year, the Dangote refinery received its maiden one million barrels of Agbami crude grade as it plans to begin production this month.

“The Dangote Petrochemical Complex, which consists of the world’s largest single-train 650,000 barrels per day Petroleum Refinery, a 1 million metric tonnes of Polypropylene per-annum facility, and two of the world’s largest Fertilizer Trains – with a capacity of producing 3 Million Tonnes of Urea – is much more than just an industrial milestone; it’s a testament to the visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence of one of Africa’s finest and most dogged patriots,” he said.

“I had a front-row seat as this vision was conceptualized and took shape. And I am familiar with the sleepless nights you’ve had to work through over the last decade to bring this dream to fruition.”

Otedola described the refinery as a beacon of hope for millions in the continent adding that it is also at the vanguard of championing environmental sustainability.

“With its carbon capture technologies and storage processes it will capture up to 90%+ of the CO2 emitted and also play a significant role in reducing Well-to-tank carbon emissions from crude oil maritime transportation, thereby playing its own role in helping Nigeria meet its target for net-zero emissions by 2060,” he said.

“The Refinery recircles 100% of its water. The heat coming out of the process is fully captured to produce 50MW of Power.

“Dangote is also producing Euro 5 to replace the bad Euro 5 that has been dumped in Africa for a long time.

“Shipping 65,000 barrels per day of crude out of Nigeria and 650kbpd in refined products to Nigeria and nearby countries which is 480 ships of 1m barrels per day will save 1.5m to 2.5m tons of CO2 emissions.”

The business mogul said meeting the country’s refined petroleum product requirements will promote energy security, independence, and prosperity for the nation, benefiting the environment.

Otedola added that the refinery promises economic transformation for Nigerians today and for generations to come.