Dangote to start domestic crude production in weeks

Dangote Group plans to begin large-scale crude production through its Niger Delta assets in coming weeks. Vice President Devakumar Edwin told Platts that standard well testing is currently underway and should complete in 3-4 weeks, after which oil can be pumped in larger volumes. The company will then begin drilling new wells.

According to Edwin, these upstream assets aim to provide more stable crude supply for the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery. The company is also establishing its own shipping presence to reduce logistics costs and improve crude sourcing reliability.

However, the Nigerian government has yet to officially confirm this development. The refinery has faced major challenges with domestic crude supply, currently sourcing majority of its crude outside Nigeria despite the "Naira-for-crude" deal. In April, NNPCL announced it would increase crude supply to seven cargoes.

This development could impact Nigeria's fuel security and potentially reduce import dependence. Will this domestic crude supply translate to more stable fuel prices for Nigerian consumers?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/21/dangote-refinery-to-begin-crude-production/