Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has hailed Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, following the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s attainment and sustained operation at its full 650,000 barrels per day nameplate capacity on its Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) and Motor Spirit (MS) Block.
In a statement issued Thursday evening by his media office, the former Abia State governor described the milestone as a historic breakthrough in Nigeria’s industrial journey and a testament to visionary private-sector leadership.
“This is a defining moment for Nigeria and indeed Africa,” Senator Kalu stated. “To reach and sustain 650,000 barrels per day at full nameplate capacity is a global achievement that demonstrates engineering strength, operational discipline, and strategic foresight.”
Kalu, who recently toured the facility alongside senators from the South East, said the scale and sophistication of the refinery convinced him that the milestone was inevitable.
“During my last visit with my distinguished colleagues from the South East, I was fully persuaded that this achievement was only a matter of time,” he said. “The scale of investment, the cutting-edge technology, and the professionalism of the team gave us confidence that Nigeria was on the verge of something historic. I am delighted to see that vision now fully realized.”
The lawmaker noted that the refinery’s projected output of up to 75 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) daily would drastically cut Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel, conserve scarce foreign exchange, and strengthen national energy security.
He added that the impact of the refinery would extend beyond Nigeria’s borders, positioning the country as a major energy hub for West and Central Africa.
“This achievement will benefit not only Nigeria but also our neighboring countries. It reinforces our economic leadership in the region and advances our collective quest for energy self-sufficiency,” Kalu said.
Commending Dangote’s resilience and long-term commitment to national development, the senator described the refinery as a transformative investment that would stand as a legacy project for generations.
With the facility now operating at full capacity, stakeholders say the development marks a significant turning point in Nigeria’s quest for industrial self-reliance and economic diversification.
