Social media users have been buzzing after reports emerged that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, owned by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has successfully exported petrol to the United States.

The milestone further highlights the rising global footprint of the year-old refinery, which continues to record significant breakthroughs in the energy sector.

According to Reuters, energy giant Shell purchased a cargo of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) produced by the Lagos-based refinery, marking the second U.S.-bound shipment in just weeks. The first shipment, handled by global trader Vitol and North American distributor Sunoco, arrived earlier this month at New York Harbor. A third vessel is reportedly en route, underscoring the refinery’s rapid emergence as a new player in international fuel markets.

The achievement comes as Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote renews criticism of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries, describing them as obsolete, uncompetitive, and financially draining. He argued that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) continues to waste resources on facilities that can neither meet domestic demand nor rival the 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery.

Dangote has repeatedly said his vision is to make Nigeria and Africa energy-independent, transforming the continent into a net exporter of petroleum products.

However, local petroleum marketers accuse the billionaire of attempting to monopolize the downstream sector, insisting that fuel importation must continue to ensure fair competition.

The news has generated some reactions on social media. See some below

dan_iel.rsa said: "Without Africa, United States is nothing"

lionctv quizzed: "What is Nigeria going to do when electric cars dominate the world?"

jasfada001 said: "How does it benefit common Nigeria ? 🇳🇬 how much is fuel in your area?"

mettahealthuK hailed: "This is a fantastic achievement. Many congratulations from the team at Metta HealthUK"

tinasamson426 commented: "What a whole country could not do one did, congratulations Dangote"

mevis00 wrote: "There's nothing great about this so called "achievement " e just be like husband wey dey please outsiders while his wife and children dey suffer for house. Anyway, business na business for Dangote."