Dangote Refinery, wonder of modern technology ― Japan Ambassador, business community

The Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals complex has been hailed as an astonishing masterpiece, showcasing Nigeria’s technological advancements on the global stage.

This accolade was shared by a delegation from the Japanese Business Community in Nigeria, led by Japan’s Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo. The Dangote Group also reiterated that its petroleum products are in demand worldwide, as it expands its polypropylene section to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported polypropylene, a crucial material used in packaging, textiles, and the automotive manufacturing industries.

The Japanese delegation, which toured the impressive facilities housing both the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as well as Dangote Fertilisers, commended the state-of-the-art technology on display, noting that it reinforces Nigeria’s role as the gateway to Africa.

Managing Director of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), Takashi Oku, remarked that while Nigeria remains the gateway to Africa, the Dangote Refinery stands as a remarkable project that showcases the country’s technological progress. He added that the facility, as the world’s largest single-train refinery, is a point of immense pride for Nigeria. JETRO is Japan’s governmental organisation for trade and investment.

“We had heard about the excellence of the Dangote Refinery through the media but seeing it in person has left us truly amazed by its vastness and grandeur. It demonstrates that Nigeria’s population is not only growing but also advancing in technology. We are keen to collaborate with Nigerian companies, especially Dangote Refinery,” he said.

Emphasising that the refinery has bolstered Nigeria’s leading position in Africa, he further noted that the facility serves as an ideal introduction to the country for the global community.

Managing Director of Itochu Nigeria Limited, Masahiro Tsuno, also praised the sheer size and automation of the Dangote Refinery, calling it a miracle and one of the wonders of the world.

“I’ve seen many standalone refineries across the globe, including in Vietnam and the Middle East. However, this size of a refinery built by one single investor is probably a miracle in the world. And I’m just actually witnessing a miracle, to be honest, today,” he said. Tsuno indicated that his company would seek collaboration with the refinery across various sectors, including polypropylene and other petroleum products.

Commending the ambassador-designate and his team, which described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a wonder of modern technology, Vice President of Oil and Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, explained that the facility is the vision of a Nigerian investor- Aliko Dangote, designed and built by Nigerians, and intended to serve the global market.

He said that it is a point of pride that a Nigerian company not only designed but also built the world’s largest single-train refinery complex. Dangote Industries Limited, a Nigerian company, acted as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor for the refinery. In the process, cutting-edge technologies from around the world were incorporated to ensure that the facility meets the highest standards. Edwin assured the ambassador-designate and the delegation that the company is open to collaboration, always striving to maintain the best possible standards.

“Even now, we have a lot of Japanese equipment inside both the refinery and the fertiliser plant. There are significant opportunities for collaboration, as we always seek the latest technology in any business we engage in. For instance, our cement plant laboratory is managed by robots, and we always embrace advanced technology. With Japan’s focus on technological innovation, there is ample scope for cooperation and for supplying various types of technology,” he said.

Edwin also stated that the Dangote Petrochemical project will significantly boost investment in downstream industries, creating substantial value, generating employment, increasing tax revenues, reducing foreign exchange outflows, and contributing to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He confirmed that products from the refinery meet international standards and are already being exported globally.

“In recent weeks, we’ve exported petrol to Cameroon, Ghana, Angola, and South Africa among others. Diesel has gone all over the world, and jet fuel is being heavily exported to European markets. Our products are already making their mark internationally,” he said.

He further added that by leveraging Africa’s vast crude oil resources to produce refined products locally, the Dangote Group aims to create a virtuous cycle of industrial development, job creation, and economic prosperity.

Keyamo Clarifies: Winners’ Chapel Airstrip License Will Not Be Revoked

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has clarified that the airstrip license granted to Living Faith Church, also known as Winners’ Chapel, will not be withdrawn.

Speaking on Arise Television’s This Morning programme on Sunday, Keyamo addressed concerns raised over the church’s airstrip following calls from the House of Representatives in October to revoke the licenses of private individuals and organizations, citing national security concerns.

Keyamo defended the church’s license, stating that Winners’ Chapel had followed all necessary legal and regulatory processes before the airstrip was approved. He emphasized that no rules had been violated by the church, and that revoking the license would be discriminatory.

“You can’t single out an individual or organization when the same rights have been granted to many others. On what basis would you revoke it? They haven’t breached any terms. The constitution does not permit discrimination against any Nigerian,” Keyamo remarked.

The minister further explained that the approval process for the airstrip took a full year due to a comprehensive review. “It took me one year to approve that airstrip because we went through several steps to ensure everything was in line. By law, the minister must approve it, and after reviewing all the processes, I gave my approval.”

Keyamo also clarified that private airstrips, including the one at Winners’ Chapel, are not for international flights. He explained that flights departing from a private airstrip must first land at an international airport for processing. Similarly, incoming flights must land at an international airport before proceeding to a private airstrip.

“The rules are clear. You cannot fly internationally from a private airstrip in Nigeria. You must first land at an international airport to undergo processing,” Keyamo stated.

In conclusion, the Minister reaffirmed that the license granted to Winners’ Chapel remains intact, with the church complying fully with all legal and procedural requirements.

ASR Africa Begins Reconstruction of Historic Mallam Abdulkarim Jummat Mosque in Zaria

ASR Africa, under the leadership of Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, has officially commenced the reconstruction of the historic Mallam Abdulkarim Jummat Mosque in Zaria. The groundbreaking event, organized by the Zazzau Emirate Council and presided over by His Highness Mal. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the Emir of Zazzau, marks a significant milestone in preserving the region’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.

The ceremony drew a host of dignitaries, including Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of ASR Africa and BUA Group, royal fathers, government officials, and members of the public. The Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency Senator Uba Sani, served as the host, welcoming notable guests such as His Excellency Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto; Abbas Tajudeen, GCON, Speaker of the House of Representatives; and Mallam Balarabe Abass Lawal, Honourable Minister for Environment.

The Executive Governor of Kaduna State, H.E. Senator Uba Sani (Host) performed the groundbreaking ceremony with the Speaker of the House of Reps, RT. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas (PhD) and other royal fathers in attendance.

The Governor expressed profound gratitude to everyone involved in the reconstruction effort, praising their dedication to this noble cause. He commended ASR Africa and Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu for shouldering the financial burden of the project, noting that the mosque will not only serve as a place of worship but also enhance tourism in the region.

The Emir of Zazzau, His Highness Mal. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, highlighted the historical significance of the mosque, originally built in 1836. He lauded the contributions of the committee members and expressed deep appreciation for the generosity of Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu.

Left: MD/CEO, ASR Africa, Dr. Ubon Udoh; the Emir of Moriki, Zamfara State; the Emir of Zazzau, His Highness, Mal. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli CFR, LLD; the Governor of Kaduna State, H.E. Senator Uba Sani and the Speaker of the House of Reps, H.E. RT Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD during the groundbreaking ceremony in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The reconstructed mosque will be a modern architectural masterpiece, accommodating up to 2,000 worshippers across two floors, with an expansive courtyard for an additional 5,000. The new design will include state-of-the-art facilities such as an ablution area, a library, an ICT center, and office spaces to support administrative functions.

This project follows the unfortunate collapse of the original structure on August 10, 2023. The reconstruction symbolizes a renewed commitment to preserving the spiritual and cultural legacy of the region while providing a functional and inclusive space for worship and community activities.

Guests at the event applauded Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu’s generosity, with many calling for more individuals to emulate his philanthropic efforts. His commitment to humanity through projects like this highlights the vital role of private sector contributions in fostering development and preserving heritage.

The Mallam Abdulkarim Jummat Mosque’s reconstruction is set to become a beacon of faith, history, and modernity, bringing together tradition and progress in the heart of Zaria.