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The House of Representatives Committee on Downstream Petroleum Resources has described the report that the Dangote refinery has reached a historic milestone as a major boost to Nigeria’s energy sector and a validation of ongoing reforms in the downstream petroleum industry.
Nigeria crossed a milestone in its energy history in March 2026 when the Dangote oil refinery and petrochemicals exported more refined gasoline than the country imported, making Africa’s largest crude producer a net exporter of refined fuel for the first time.
The Lekki-based plant shipped 44,000 barrels per day (bpd) of gasoline during the month, while Nigeria’s oil imports fell to 41,000 bpd, the lowest level on record according to market intelligence firm Kpler.
The resulting surplus of about 3,000 barrels a day marks the end of a structural anomaly that has defined Nigeria’s economy for decades: a country that had vast reserves of crude but shipped refined products home because it lacked the processing capacity to serve its population.
Crude supply at the 650,000 bpd refinery rose to about 565,000 bpd in March, the second highest volume since operations began in late 2023, indicating sustained large-scale utilization. Aliko Dangote, Chairman and CEO of Dangote Industries Limited, has credited the economic and energy sector reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration for creating the political conditions that have made large-scale domestic refining commercially viable and restored investor confidence in the sector.
In a statement by the Committee Chairman, Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere, the lawmakers said the development represents a watershed moment for Nigeria’s downstream oil industry and a strong signal that domestic refining capacity is starting to stabilize the country’s energy supply chain.
The Committee described the achievement as a “milestone of national pride”, noting that it reflects the impact of private sector investment in addressing long-standing inefficiencies in the oil value chain.
They praised the performance of the Dangote refinery, saying the shift from heavy import dependency to net export status, albeit marginal, demonstrates the potential of local refining to transform Nigeria’s economic structure.
The lawmakers further noted that the development is expected to ease pressure on foreign exchange demand, improve fuel availability and strengthen energy security if sustained over time.
They urged regulatory agencies to ensure transparency, efficiency and protection of critical oil infrastructure to sustain the gains recorded in the sector.
The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to legislatively support policies that encourage domestic refining, support industrial growth and position Nigeria as a major energy hub in Africa.
