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FG Plans to Save N7trn As Dangote Refinery Petrol hits market in July

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The Federal Government is making plans to save about N35tn in fiscal expenditure within the next five years with the commencement of operations at the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, disclosed this on Monday during the ceremony to inaugurate the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemical facility in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who inaugurated the refinery, which is currently the world’s largest single-train petroleum refiner, said his regime had been deliberate about ensuring public-private partnerships, while describing the refinery as a milestone for the Nigerian economy and a game-changer for the downstream petroleum market in the African continent.

Buhari said, “I recall that just about a year ago, I was here to commission your fertiliser (plant) and had the opportunity to briefly inspect this refinery complex which was under construction. The Group Chairman, Aliko Dangote, assured me that the refinery will be ready for commissioning before the end of my tenure.

“I’m aware that this is not the first time that the Dangote Group under Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s leadership is putting Nigeria on the global map through his bold investments in key industries. This has helped to transform our economy from heavy import dependence to a net exporter in some critical industries including cement and fertiliser.”

At the inauguration, which had in attendance senior government officials from Nigeria and other African countries, Buhari described the refinery as a game-changer, just as the Founder/Chairman, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, declared that the facility would put an end to the inflow of toxic substandard petroleum products into Nigeria.

The project was inaugurated at the Dangote Industries Free Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State. It was attended by governors, lawmakers, government functionaries, royal fathers, captains of industries and prominent Nigerians from all walks of life.

According to the president, Nigeria’s economy, which has been stressed for many years and over a decade of insurgency, has also been severely impacted by several external crises including the global financial crisis, the collapse of oil prices, the Coronavirus pandemic, and the Russia-Ukraine war.

The consequences of these challenges, he said, constituted a severe strain on the economy, limiting government’s ability to provide basic infrastructure without resorting to huge borrowing.

He said, “Our government, therefore, focused its attention on creating an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive and fill the enormous gap in investments, not only in infrastructure, but also in all critical sectors.”

Dangote also stated that the refinery would start delivering refined products to the Nigerian market from July this year, as operators urged the Federal Government to ensure transparency in the supply of crude oil to the 650,000 barrels per day crude oil processing refinery.

Speaking at the event, the founder of the refinery, Dangote, said, “It is our firm commitment that we will replicate in this sector what we have actually achieved in the cement and fertiliser markets, while Nigeria transformed from being the largest importer of these crude products to a net exporter.”

He pointed out that the “first goal is to ramp up projections of various production to ensure that within this year, we are able to fully satisfy our nation’s demand for higher quality products to enable us to eliminate the tragedy of import dependency and stop, once and for all, the dumping in our market of toxic substandard petroleum products.

“Our first products will be in the market before the end of July, beginning of August this year.”

He also said the refinery plans to export to 53 African countries which depend on other countries for petroleum products.

Meanwhile, Emefiele said the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals could spare Nigeria about N5tn to N7tn annually in the fiscal expenditures of the federal government over the next five years.

He noted that the project would support the fiscal operations of the government, easing budget constraints of funding fuel subsidy.

The CBN governor added that the cost of fuel subsidy may hit N4.4tn by the end of 2022.

He said, “This project will equally provide support to the fiscal operations of the government as it could help ease budget constraints of funding the petroleum subsidy and engender fiscal savings. Available data indicate that, over a five-year period, fuel subsidy in Nigeria rose more than nine-folds from about N154bn in 2017 to over N1.43tn before another three-fold rise to N4.4tn by the end of 2022.

“A simple straight-line projection suggests that this figure could surpass N7tn within the next three years if we do not tackle it effectively. Thankfully, the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals could spare Nigeria about N5tn to N7tn annually in fiscal expenditure of the federal government over the next five years.”

12,000MW electricity projected

Emefiele also expressed optimism that Nigeria, under the incoming administration, would cease importing petroleum products, fertiliser and petrochemicals and save the country over $26bn.

He said, “Nigeria will cease importing petroleum products, fertiliser and petrochemical that drained over $26bn in 2022. The self-sufficiency in refined petroleum, urea, and polypropylene, which Nigeria has attained with this project is a strong testament to how leadership, dedication, focus, commitment, and resilience have helped Nigeria on its drive towards import substitution and export orientation.”

The CBN governor also noted that the take-off of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical factories came with some economic benefits to Nigeria, such as generating thousands of direct jobs and millions of indirect jobs, with over 135,000 permanent jobs.

He added that nearly 4,000 Nigerian personnel are on site, excluding employment by the various contractors and subcontractors at the project site.

The apex bank boss also said that the project would generate up to 12,000WM of electricity, saying, “I am also proud to state that the project will generate up to 12,000MW of electricity. In addition, the refinery and the other ancillary projects will have significant multiplier effects on other sectors of the economy by supporting a diverse range of sectoral value-chains.”

Emefiele further said that the project could save the country in terms of foreign exchange and fiscal burden.

He said, “According to the balance of payments statistics, the cost (including freight) of petroleum products imports into Nigeria doubled over a five-year period from about $8.4bn in 2017 to $16.2bn (indicating an annual average of $11.1bn), before rising further to $23.3bn by end-2022. At this rate, the average annual cost of petroleum products imports to Nigeria could reach $30bn by 2027 if we continued to rely on petroleum imports. These figures suggest that the refinery could engender foreign exchange savings, to the country, of between $25bn and $30bn annually.”

He added that the country could earn about $30bn foreign exchange savings and an extra $10bn, making a total of $40bn foreign exchange savings.

“The impact of this savings will be directly reflected in Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves by reducing the pressure on our balance of payments. There are also substantial benefits that we will gain from the export of refined products to the rest the world.

“In addition to the nearly $30bn foreign exchange savings from the reduction in petroleum imports, the economy is projected to benefit an extra $10bn of foreign exchange inflow annually through the export of refined petroleum products, which will further boost our official reserves and enhance exchange rate stability,” the CBN governor added.

‘Dangote repaying loans’

Emefiele also disclosed that the Dangote Group has paid back about 70 per cent of the loans it took to construct its mega 650,000 barrels per day refinery in Lagos.

The CBN boss said the refinery was initially estimated to cost just about $9bn but the project cost escalated and was eventually completed with a total of $18.5bn.

The amount, he said, constituted 50 per cent equity investment by Dangote and 50 per cent debt finance by banks.

Emefiele said the commercial loan component of the project was financed majorly by domestic banks while the rest was provided by foreign banks.

“We have it on good authority that the Dangote Group has paid off some portion of these commercial loans even before this commissioning today,” Emefiele said.

He noted that the debt for the refinery has decreased from $9bn to $2.7bn, which is a 70 per cent decrease.

African leaders speak

The Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, said the coming on stream of the refinery was a defining moment for Nigeria’s energy sector.

He said NNPC would continue to support investments in the downstream sector that sought to eliminate import-dependency.

Some African leaders who were present at the event described the project as a game-changer that would benefit all of Africa.

Those present at the historic inauguration of the refinery include the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo; President of Niger Republic, Mohammed Bazoum; President of Chad, Mahamat Deby.

Others include the President of Senegal, Macky Sall, and his Togolese counterpart, Faure Gnassingbé.

In his special remarks, the Ghanaian President, Akufo-Addo, said the refinery would not only strengthen the Nigerian economy, but that of West Africa and the entire continent by extension.

“I’ve said it before, that when we think of West Africa and Africa before our individual countries, we are not just being Pan-Africans, we are being true nationalists because what makes West Africa and indeed Africa better will make each of our individual countries better and more prosperous.

Sanwo-Olu hails Buhari

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, praised Buhari, the President-Elect, Bola Tinubu, and Dangote for their contributions to the establishment of the first privately-owned refinery in Nigeria.

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“Nigeria Is Bigger Than PENGASSAN, Any Trade Union – Shettima

Shettima stated this in Abuja on Monday during the Nigerian Economic Summit (NES31), themed: “The Reform Imperative: Building a Prosperous and Inclusive Nigeria by 2030”.

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•Vice President Kashim Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima says that Nigeria is bigger than any trade union.

Shettima stated this in Abuja on Monday during the Nigerian Economic Summit (NES31), themed: “The Reform Imperative: Building a Prosperous and Inclusive Nigeria by 2030”.

Shettima’s comment comes on the heels of the industrial action by oil workers under the aegis of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over a dispute with the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Refinery.

While stating that Dangote Refinery must be protected at all costs, he added that the $20 billion facility is a national asset that must be supported to function.

He said, “Aliko Dangote is not an individual, he’s an institution, and he’s a leading light in Nigeria’s economic parliament.

And how we treat this gentleman will determine how outsiders will judge us. If he had invested $10 billion in Microsoft, Amazon, or Google, he probably might be worth $70 to $80 billion by now.

“But he opted to invest in his country, and we owe it to future generations to jealously protect, promote, preserve, and protect the interests of this great Nigeria.

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Where Will the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Pass? Land Speculators Alert!By Dennis Isong

Spanning approximately 700 kilometers, the road is designed to stretch from Lagos, Nigeria’s beating commercial heart, all the way to Calabar in Cross River State.

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The morning sun had barely pushed through the Lagos skyline when Emeka received the phone call that shook his world.

His uncle, who owned a modest piece of land near Eleko, was practically yelling on the phone:”Emeka! They’re building a massive highway right through our area! The government men came yesterday with their measuring tapes and equipment.

This thing is real, oh!”For Emeka, and many like him, that single call wasn’t just gist—it was a wake-up call to the kind of transformation that only infrastructure of historic scale can bring.

In a country where road projects often drag or die midway, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a different beast entirely. It is not just a road. It is a symbol. A promise. And, depending on how you position yourself, it can either make or break fortunes.

This kind of scene is playing out across Nigeria’s southern coast—small landowners scrambling to understand what is happening, speculators eyeing quick gains, investors calculating their next moves, and everyday Nigerians wondering if this project will truly deliver on its promise.

So, where exactly will this superhighway pass, and what does it mean for those who own or plan to own land in its path? Let’s dive deeper.

The Grand Vision: A 700-Kilometer Journey Along Nigeria’s Coast

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway represents one of the boldest infrastructure projects Nigeria has seen in decades.

Spanning approximately 700 kilometers, the road is designed to stretch from Lagos, Nigeria’s beating commercial heart, all the way to Calabar in Cross River State, hugging the coastline and connecting seven states along its path.

This is not a mere patchwork road; it is planned as a modern superhighway with ten lanes in total—five on each side—built to international standards.Why does this matter?

Because this isn’t just transportation. This is economic transformation laid out in asphalt and concrete.

By deliberately tracing the coastline, the government has chosen a route that will connect Nigeria’s key ports, industrial zones, and tourism hubs, while simultaneously opening up communities that have long been ignored in national development.

For land speculators and investors, this positioning is everything.

Places that once looked like sleepy fishing communities will suddenly find themselves positioned as gateways to Nigeria’s next economic corridor.

Phase One: Lagos to Eleko JunctionThe Reality on Ground

When it comes to massive projects like this, talk can be cheap. But the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is already moving from blueprint to bulldozers.

The first section of the highway, measuring roughly 47.47 kilometers, runs from Ahmadu Bello Way in Victoria Island to Eleko Junction in Lagos State.

This stretch—already commissioned—provides the clearest picture of where land opportunities currently exist.

Works began in March 2024, with the government promising to complete this section by May 29, 2025. That timeline matters, because for investors and speculators, time is money.

The earlier you position yourself in areas adjacent to the development, the greater the potential upside when the project fully matures.

And let’s not miss the strategic brilliance here: this Lagos stretch links directly to the Lekki Deep Seaport, which is a multi billion-dollar game changer.

Think about it—Nigeria’s busiest commercial hub, Lagos, directly tied to a world-class seaport by a brand-new highway.

The result? A logistics, trade, and industrial hub unlike anything the country has seen before.No wonder places like Ibeju-Lekki, Eleko, and the Lekki Free Trade Zone are buzzing with activity. Property inquiries have shot up.

Land values are rising. Developers are circling. And communities that once felt like far-flung outposts now find themselves in the glare of investor attention.

Works began in March 2024, with the government promising to complete this section by May 29, 2025. That timeline matters, because for investors and speculators, time is money.

The Wider Corridor: What Each State Stands to Gain

To truly understand the impact of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, you must look beyond Lagos. The real story lies in how each state it passes through will be reshaped.

Ogun State: Sitting right next to Lagos, Ogun is already known for its industrial clusters. The highway will only accelerate this by making Ogun’s coastal communities prime for both residential and commercial expansion. Lagos is bursting at the seams; Ogun will absorb much of that overflow.

Ondo State: With rich natural resources and agricultural potential, Ondo’s coastal areas have been relatively cut off. Improved access will turn sleepy fishing villages and farmlands into investment hotspots.

Delta State: Already an oil-rich state, Delta could diversify its economy with better access. Expect agriculture, trade, and services to grow once the coastal road improves logistics.

Bayelsa State: Known for oil but underserved in infrastructure, Bayelsa’s coastal communities could finally open up to tourism and commerce.

Rivers State: With Port Harcourt already a major commercial hub, the coastal highway provides an alternative to inland congestion, positioning more coastal towns for growth.

Akwa Ibom & Cross River: Tourism and trade could boom here. Imagine smooth access to Calabar Carnival, Tinapa, or Akwa Ibom’s beaches, making these states magnets for local and foreign investors, and thus, .making these states magnets for local and foreign investors.

The Demolition Dilemma: Right-of-Way Challenges

Projects rarely happen without pain. And for many small land and property owners, the highway has already been a bulldozer nightmare.In April 2024, bulldozers rolled into Oniru waterfront in Lagos, clearing kiosks, restaurants, and beachside businesses.

By December, 750 structures across different stretches of the coastal states had been affected.

This highlights a key reality: if your land sits directly on the highway’s path, you may lose it. But if your property lies slightly off the road—still close enough to benefit from its presence—you might be sitting on a goldmine.

The government, to its credit, has announced compensation programs. For example, in Section 1 alone, the federal government paid ₦2.75 billion in compensation for affected properties within the first 3 kilometers.

That not only shows seriousness but also gives speculators a benchmark for property values in these zones.Investment Hotspots: Where Smart Money Is FlowingSo, where should the alert investor look?

Lekki Free Trade Zone: This is the no-brainer. With direct ties to the seaport and highway, it’s a magnet for industry and logistics.

Eleko: Once a quiet community, it now marks the endpoint of the first phase. Land values here are rising sharply.Ibeju-Lekki: Already touted as “the new Lagos,” the highway cements its place as a hotspot for both residential estates and industrial projects.Beyond Lagos, expect hotspots to emerge in Ogun’s border communities, Ondo’s coastal villages, and eventually in Akwa Ibom and Cross River when the highway nears completion.

Timeline & Tolling: The Next 10 Years

According to Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, the first Lagos section will be ready by May 2025. But the plan isn’t just to build and abandon—the road will be tolled for 5 to 10 years to recover costs and ensure maintenance.

This matters because tolled roads generally receive better upkeep than free ones.

For investors, this means areas along the road are less likely to fall into disrepair, protecting land and property values.Interestingly, the government isn’t just building from Lagos outward.

Construction has also begun on Sections 3 and 4 from Calabar, meaning both ends are being tackled simultaneously. This could shorten the overall timeline and bring benefits faster than expected.

Beyond Transport: The Ripple Effects

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway isn’t just a road—it’s an economic multiplier.Tourism: Beach towns, cultural centers, and resorts will become more accessible, boosting hospitality investments.Agriculture: Farmers along the coast will move goods to major markets more efficiently, making agribusiness attractive.Industry: Manufacturing and processing plants will spring up near the road, cutting transportation costs.Services: Retail, banking, telecoms, and education services will follow population growth along the corridor.In short, entire towns could spring up where there was once only bush.

Risks: What Investors Must Watch

Not every land along the road is a jackpot. Risks abound.Environmental concerns may slow or alter parts of the route.

Funding risks exist, though current progress looks promising.Land title disputes—always a Nigerian headache—could derail your investment.

Speculative oversupply may flood some markets, depressing values.Competing infrastructure projects could draw attention away from certain stretches. Due diligence is non-negotiable. Verify titles. Study local government plans.

Don’t just buy because everyone else is rushing in.

The Decade Ahead: What to Expect in Fast 10 years Ahead.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is fully operational. What will Nigeria’s coast look like?Coastal towns from Lagos to Calabar will likely become bustling hubs.

Migration patterns will shift as people move to newly accessible areas.

International investors will look more favorably at Nigeria’s coastline.

Government will likely designate new special economic zones along the route.

The highway may even link into wider West African trade routes, cementing Nigeria’s position as a regional hub.

For the alert investor, the message is clear: this road is not just geography, it is opportunity.

Final Word: Land Speculators, Be Alert!

So, wlhere will the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road pass? Through Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River.

But more importantly, it will pass through the heart of Nigeria’s economic future.From Lagos Island to Calabar, this project is about more than concrete—it’s about reshaping communities, economies, and lives.If you are a land speculator or investor, your success won’t just depend on knowing where the road physically runs, but on understanding how it will transform everything around it.

Some will lose their land to bulldozers. Others will turn bush plots into multimillion-naira estates.

History is being built on Nigeria’s coastline.

The question is: will you just watch, or will you position yourself to ride the wave?

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Beer manufacturers reject tax stamps rollout by govt

Executive Director of the Beer Sectoral Group (BSG), Abiola Laseinde noted that the measure could trigger production disruptions and worsen the country’s inflation crisis.

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Nigeria’s brewing sector has appealed to the Federal Government to abandon plans to introduce tax stamps on excisable goods.

Executive Director of the Beer Sectoral Group (BSG), Abiola Laseinde noted that the measure could trigger production disruptions and worsen the country’s inflation crisis.

She urged government to sustain existing home-grown digital excise systems rather than introducing tax stamps also known as track-and-trace identifiers, which she described as counterproductive.

The industry’s concerns echo recent warnings from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), which cautioned that the proposed tax stamp system could compound economic pressures and fuel consumer price increases.

Laseinde stressed that the application of tax stamps in the beer sector would not address illicit trade, as counterfeiting is virtually non-existent due to the complexity of the brewing process, the bulkiness of beer products and their low resale value.

She added that the industry already maintains strict compliance with excise rules, backed by digital counters, on-site Customs officers and auditable records.

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