Nigeria is increasingly defining the direction of energy trade in West Africa, with Ghana confirming plans to import refined petroleum products from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos.
The move highlights a structural shift in regional fuel supply, driven by Nigeria’s new refining capacity and industrial scale. With an installed capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the Dangote Refinery has positioned Nigeria not only to satisfy domestic fuel demand but to act as a primary supplier of refined products across the sub-region.
Ghana’s reliance on imports, stemming from limited local refining capacity, has made the country a natural market for Nigerian refined fuel. By sourcing from Nigeria, Ghana is aligning with a nearby producer capable of delivering large volumes of petrol and diesel on a consistent commercial basis.
Engagements between Ghanaian authorities and the Dangote Group are already underway, signalling confidence in Nigeria’s refining infrastructure and its ability to anchor long-term supply relationships. The proximity between the two countries strengthens Nigeria’s cost advantage and reinforces its leadership in regional fuel logistics.
For Nigeria, the development marks a clear departure from decades of dependence on imported refined products despite being Africa’s largest oil producer. The Dangote Refinery has reversed that model, enabling Nigeria to export value-added petroleum products and shape downstream trade flows within Africa.
As regional markets increasingly look inward for energy security, Nigeria is setting the agenda by moving from crude exporter to refining powerhouse, influencing pricing, supply routes, and industrial integration across West Africa.
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