The Refinery had disclosed that it purchased the first one million barrels of Agbami crude grade from Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited (STASCO), one of the largest trading companies in Nigeria as well as globally, trading over 8 million barrels of crude oil per day.

Also, these represent the first phase of the 6 million barrels of crude oil to be supplied by a range of suppliers.

The latest cargo, which sailed to the facility’s Single-Point Mooring (SPM) where it was discharged into the refinery’s crude oil tanks, has increased total deliveries to about two million barrels.

Experts in oil and gas, yesterday, said with this level of crude supplies, Dangote Refinery is set to start operations, describing the coming on stream of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as a major milestone, capable of making a positive impact on the economies of Nigeria and West Africa.

In a telephone interview with the newsmen, the Executive Chairman, the African Energy Chamber, NJ Ayuk, said: “We are excited to see that the Dangote Refinery has secured its crude cargoes. This is a significant milestone, both for the country and the West African region at large."

“With a capacity to produce 350,000 barrels per day, the refinery holds particular significance for the country, where a reliance on fuel imports has been a defining feature for decades, despite its over 37 billion barrels of proven reserves.”

“This cargo will see diesel, aviation fuel and Liquefied Petroleum Gas produced, followed shortly thereafter by the production of Premium Motor Spirit. These products will enable the country to become self-sufficient while exporting to regional neighbours. This, in turn, will strengthen the fiscal dynamics, putting an end to fuel subsidies, high prices and inconsistent supply, thereby setting a strong benchmark for other resource-rich countries in Africa.”