Lagos, Nigeria – Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has firmly dismissed allegations that petroleum products from his refinery are substandard. This declaration was made on Saturday during a visit by the leadership of the House of Representatives to the Dangote Refinery, located at the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos.
Reps Leadership Tour
The delegation from the House of Representatives was led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, accompanied by his deputy Benjamin Kalu and Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere, among others. The visit aimed to address and clarify the recent claims regarding the quality of products produced by the Dangote Refinery.
Demonstration of Quality
To substantiate his position, Dangote and his team conducted a live demonstration in the presence of the lawmakers. Diesel samples were procured from two different filling stations and compared with diesel from the Dangote Refinery. All tests were performed at the refinery’s state-of-the-art laboratories to ensure transparency and accuracy.
Test Results
Two critical tests were conducted on the diesel samples: a sulphur content test and a flash point test. Sulphur levels in crude-based products are a significant indicator of quality, as high sulphur content can cause severe damage to engines and vehicle components. The flash point measures the lowest temperature at which the vapors above a liquid ignite, with a recommended minimum flash point of 66 degrees Celsius for diesel.
The test results were revealing:
- Diesel from Other Stations:
- Sulphur Content: 2,631 ppm and 1,829 ppm (far above the recommended level)
- Flash Point: 26°C and 63°C (below the recommended minimum of 66°C)
- Diesel from Dangote Refinery:
- Sulphur Content: 87.6 ppm (well within acceptable limits)
- Flash Point: 96°C (exceeding the recommended minimum)
Implications and Responses
Aliko Dangote highlighted that the results demonstrate the superior quality of the refinery’s products. He also pointed out the potential risks posed by substandard petroleum products being imported into Nigeria and sold to unsuspecting consumers.
Addressing the lawmakers, Dangote stated, “The most important thing, your excellency, is to note that the imported one they are encouraging, is the spec in test, but in certain cases when you check (independently), different results will show. This is because those people who have the lab have been told what to write.”
Dangote suggested that the best method to ensure product quality is by independent testing of samples purchased directly from filling stations.
Call for Investigation
In response to the conflicting claims, Speaker Abbas acknowledged the need for a thorough investigation. He expressed concern over the discrepancy between public and private sector representations, stating, “I don’t know how we have this contradiction of two players representing the public and private sector. I think it is something we need to investigate further to find out if there are ulterior motives.”
Moving Forward
This incident underscores the importance of stringent quality control and independent verification in the petroleum industry. As Nigeria continues to navigate its energy challenges, the integrity of locally produced and imported petroleum products remains paramount.
The Dangote Refinery, one of Africa’s largest private projects, has the potential to significantly impact Nigeria’s energy landscape. Ensuring the highest standards of product quality will be crucial in gaining the trust of consumers and stakeholders alike.
The visit by the House of Representatives leaders to the Dangote Refinery was a critical step in addressing the allegations of substandard products. The demonstration and subsequent test results provided clear evidence of the refinery’s commitment to quality. As the investigation progresses, it will be essential to maintain transparency and accountability to uphold the standards of Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
