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Dangote Refinery Emerges World’s Largest Jet Fuel Exporter in April
By Adedapo Adesanya
Dangote Petroleum Refinery was the world’s largest exporter of jet fuel in April, driven by increased production capacity and shifting global supply chains disrupted by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
This was disclosed by the refinery’s chief executive, Mr David Bird, in a recent report by S&P Global Energy at the Lagos-based facility.
According to the report, disruptions in global aviation fuel trade routes created a supply gap that repositioned major non-Middle East refiners, with Dangote Refinery taking a leading role in meeting international demand.
S&P Global Commodities at Sea data revealed that the refinery recorded a surge in aviation fuel exports after the escalation of conflict in the Middle East altered established shipping and supply patterns across key markets.
“After the Middle East war began, Dangote shifted to ‘max jet mode,’ and in April it became the world’s single largest exporter of aviation fuel,” the report stated.
The refinery, which has reached an estimated production capacity of about 650,000 barrels per day, has continued to operate at near-peak levels following its phased ramp-up. It has also adopted a flexible blending system that allows it to process additional feedstocks, including GTL naphtha and Bonny condensate, to boost gasoline and jet fuel output.
Mr Bird explained that sustaining large-scale output requires stronger logistics coordination and more sophisticated trading systems, especially as the refinery expands beyond reliance on domestic crude supply.
He also noted that Dangote Refinery is gradually transitioning into a merchant refining model, positioning itself as an active participant in global crude and refined product trading rather than a domestically focused processor.
As part of its long-term strategy, the refinery is expanding its crude slate beyond Nigerian light sweet grades to include heavier and more complex blends. It is currently capable of processing about 40 crude types, with plans to increase that capacity as operations scale.
Mr Bird disclosed that the company is targeting a future expansion to 1.4 million barrels per day, which would require sourcing crude from multiple regions, including the United States, the Middle East and parts of South America.
He added that the refinery is pursuing long-term supply agreements with governments, airlines and national oil companies, as it gradually shifts away from spot-market transactions.
The report further highlighted Dangote’s ambition to operate at the level of global refining hubs such as Singapore’s Pulau Bukom facility, which processes over 100 crude grades.
Beyond refining, the company is also investing in logistics and infrastructure development across Africa, including proposed storage hubs in Namibia, pipeline discussions in Zambia and expanded storage networks in East and Central Africa.
The official said the broader vision is to transform the Lekki Free Zone into a fully integrated industrial and energy hub anchored on refining, petrochemicals and export logistics.
The surge in jet fuel exports comes amid global market disruptions linked to tensions involving the United States, Iran and Israel, which affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz a critical route responsible for about 20 per cent of global oil and fuel trade.
The resulting supply constraints tightened global jet fuel availability and pushed up international prices, creating an opening for refiners outside the Middle East to capture market share.
In Nigeria, rising aviation fuel costs had earlier forced government intervention. In April, authorities introduced price caps and a 30-day credit window for airlines to ease operational pressures, with Jet A1 prices benchmarked between N1,760 and N2,037 per litre across major cities.
Earlier in May, Dangote Refinery reduced its ex-depot aviation fuel price from N1,750 to N1,650 per litre and introduced a 30-day interest-free credit facility for airline operators and marketers.
The refinery also moved Jet A1 transactions from Dollar-based pricing to Naira-denominated sales, a step widely seen as an effort to stabilise domestic aviation costs and reduce foreign exchange pressure on operators.
By Dipo Olowookere
Nigeria’s Vice President, Mr Kashim Shettima, will run as the vice-presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.
President Bola Tinubu retained Mr Shettima as his running mate for re-election next year, according to the National Chairman of the APC, Mr Nentawe Yilwatda.
In a post on Friday on X, the ruling party chairman described this as “another significant milestone in the journey of our great party.”
He also said it reaffirms the party’s collective resolve to sustain the Renewed Hope Agenda and deepen the progress already being recorded across the country.
It was gathered that Mr Tinubu submitted his presidential nomination forms today through his Special Adviser on Political and Other Matters, Mr Ibrahim Masari.
The submission was done ceremony at the Continental Hotel, Abuja, attended by several party chieftains, including The event brought together an impressive array of leaders of our great party, including the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Mr Hope Uzodimma; Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, as well as other governors, party executives and critical stakeholders from across the federation.
“The All Progressives Congress remains focused on strengthening its grassroots support, consolidating the achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda and working together to build a more prosperous, secure and inclusive Nigeria for all,” the party leader stated.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after 56 days in captivity.
The development was disclosed on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on X. He revealed that eight of the kidnappers have been arrested and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while some others were neutralised during the operation.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” he wrote.
He said no concession was made to the terrorists to secure the freedom of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Mr Onanuga explained that the kingpin whose release the kidnappers had demanded was neither freed nor spared, as he remains under prosecution for offences linked to his terrorist activities.
The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools: Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
No fewer than 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a principal, were taken during the attacks. During the attack, a teacher, Mr Joel Adesiyan, was killed while attempting to escape.
Another teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded in the kidnappers’ den.
The terrorists holding the victims had reportedly made a four-point demand before agreeing to free the captives, including the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related law.
The Oyo State Government had consistently maintained that no ransom would be paid to secure the release of any victims.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) embarked on a month-long strike in the state to press for the victims’ rescue before suspending the action in July.
It also drew federal intervention, with military and police authorities repeatedly assuring Nigerians that operations to secure the victims’ freedom were ongoing.
The President’s spokesperson said that security agencies would soon provide a comprehensive account of the operation.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The board of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has approved a $260 million financing package for the construction of a 123-kilometre section of the Trans-Saharan Highway in Nigeria as part of more than $417 million earmarked for strategic projects across West Africa.
The approval was granted during the bank’s 99th Ordinary Session, chaired by its President, Mr George Donkor, according to a statement issued after the meeting. It was noted that the total financing will support five public and private sector projects spanning infrastructure, healthcare, housing, mining, financial resilience and regional connectivity.
EBID said the approved investments underscore its commitment to funding high-impact projects that drive economic growth, create jobs and improve living standards across the sub-region.
“The projects approved during this 99th Board Session demonstrate EBID’s unwavering commitment to financing development solutions that directly improve the lives of West African citizens.
“From clean energy and transport infrastructure to healthcare, housing and financial sector resilience, these investments will strengthen regional competitiveness and support sustainable and inclusive growth across our community,” said Mr Donkor.
That of Nigeria is to improve connectivity, facilitate trade, reduce logistics costs and support economic integration; West African CFA franc (XOF) 10 billion in a line of credit to Banque de l’Habitat de Côte d’Ivoire (BHCI) to expand housing finance and support SMEs operating across the housing and construction value chain; €80 million for the design, construction, equipment and maintenance of the 150-bed Regional Hospital of Ferkessédougou in Côte d’Ivoire under a public-private partnership;
XOF 12.82 billion (West African CFA Franc) for the renovation, operation and maintenance of the Symphonie Building in Abidjan under a public-private partnership and $47.4 million for Azumah Resources Ghana Limited to finance the procurement of long-lead process plant equipment and critical early-stage development activities for the Black Volta Gold Project.
“These approvals advance EBID’s Growth, Resilience and Optimisation (GRO) Strategy, which prioritises transformative infrastructure, human capital development, private sector growth and regional integration. Through these investments, the Bank continues to promote sustainable development and shared prosperity across West Africa,” the statement said.
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