Nigeria’s continued dependence on importation of petroleum products remains a concern despite awarding over 57 refinery licences in the last 18 years and an additional five recently. To many, the country appears to be comfortable with the practice despite the effect it has on the economy.
Nigeria started the business of oil refining with a simple hydro-skimming plant of 38,000 barrels per day (bpd) refinery built by Shell-BP, at Eleme, near Port Harcourt, in Rivers State in 1965. The plant was then wholly owned and operated by Shell-BP.
At 66 years old, Aliko Dangote shows no signs of slowing down as he continues to expand his diversified empire which he started as commodity trader in Nigeria.