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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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“Only 37% of Nigerian roads are in good condition ” – MAN

The Nigerian government holds the primary responsibility for creating an enabling environment to unlock the manufacturing sector’s potential.

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L-R: MD Coleman Wires and Cables industries limited, Mr. George Onafowokan, DG MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, and Mr. Adetunji Aderinto, founder Zetamind consulting limited at a conference organized by Business Day in Lagos on Thursday.

“Only 37 percent of Nigerian roads are in good condition, which continues to increase production and transportation costs, making Nigerian products less competitive.”

“Segun Ajayi-Kadir, the Director – General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), gave this statistics during the 2025 Manufacturing Conference organized by BusinessDay in Lagos, with the theme: “Unlocking Nigeria’s Manufacturing Potential: Strategies for Sustainable Growth Amid Economic Turbulence.”

Ajayi-Kadir noted that while recent improvements in infrastructure is commendable, there’s need for investing significantly in critical transport infrastructure — roads, ports, and industrial corridors — to reduce logistics bottlenecks and improve market access.

He stated, “The Nigerian government holds the primary responsibility for creating an enabling environment to unlock the manufacturing sector’s potential.

This requires strategic action across infrastructure, fiscal policy, and regional integration.”

Ajayi-Kadir acknowledged the passage of four tax reform bills aimed at streamlining the tax system and praised the government’s “Nigeria First Policy.”

However, he emphasized the need for swift and effective implementation.

He further recommended making the Nigeria First Policy a binding law, with penalties for violators, to ensure transparency, public awareness, and enforcement.

Ajayi-Kadir further called for establishing structured platforms for regular consultations with manufacturers to align policies with industry needs.

“There is need for setting up systems for timely and relevant export data sharing through embassies, trade attachés, and relevant agencies to help manufacturers access global markets.

Also ensuring consistent and transparent policy-making to boost investor confidence and foster long-term growth.”

The Managing Director of Coleman Wires and Cables Industries Limited, Mr. George Onafowokan, noted that more foreign investors are entering Nigeria to establish businesses despite prevailing economic challenges, even as some local businesses continue to complain about the operating environment.

He urged Nigerian manufacturers to look inward and explore the abundant opportunities within the country to boost their enterprises.

In the same vein, Adetunji Aderinto, founder of Zetamind Consulting Limited and a fellow panelist, remarked that foreign investors often recognize prospects in the Nigerian market that many local manufacturers overlook.

He advised manufacturers to reduce costs through technology adoption and data utilization.

“Some manufacturers shut down operations because they don’t understand what their customers need. They need to increase market share and strengthen their supply chains,” Aderinto added.

The Director -General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr. Olusola Obadimu, called on the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to take urgent steps to curb inflation.

He also urged state governments to focus more on people-centric development rather than internally generated revenue alone.

The panelists collectively encouraged Nigerians to patronize locally made products and commended the Federal Government’s efforts in promoting the “Buy Nigeria” campaign.

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Complete List of Documents You Need to Buy Land in Lagos by Dennis Isong

And if you’re serious about doing it right, reach out to someone who knows the Lagos real estate landscape like the back of his hand. Someone like, well… me.

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Always confirm documents from the Lagos State Land Registry and avoid cash-only deals without paperwork.

Buying land in Lagos can be a rewarding move—whether you’re planning to build a home, invest for the future, or start a commercial project.

But while the opportunities are exciting, the process isn’t as straightforward as just paying and getting a receipt.

Lagos, like many parts of Nigeria, has its peculiar legal and property documentation system, and understanding this system can be the difference between owning your land and losing your hard-earned money.

If you’re thinking about land ownership in this dynamic city, then knowing the documents you need to buy land in Lagos is not just helpful—it’s essential.

These documents are your only legal shield in a city where land disputes and multiple claims are far too common.

Let’s break it all down in a way that’s easy to understand.

First Things First: Why Documentation Matters

In Lagos, land ownership is often a maze.

There’s family land, government-acquired land, excised land, and committed land. Many buyers have found themselves entangled in court cases or financial loss simply because they didn’t know what papers to ask for.

Documents give your land transaction structure and legality. Without them, your ownership is shaky at best and fraudulent at worst.

Now let’s walk through the key documents you must check for—and get—before buying land in Lagos.

The Survey Plan

This is the starting point. A survey plan shows the exact location and measurements of the land. It tells you where the land is and how big it is.

More importantly, it helps confirm if the land falls within a government-acquired or committed area.

Government-acquired lands are off-limits unless the land has been officially released (excised).

A verified survey plan will also tell you whether the land has been registered before.

To be on the safe side, always take the survey plan to a registered surveyor or the Lagos State Surveyor General’s office for charting.

That way, you know you’re not buying into trouble.

The Deed of Assignment

when land changes hands—from seller to buyer—a Deed of Assignment is what captures that transfer.

This document states the details of the transaction: who sold it, who bought it, the size of the land, the location, and the terms of sale.

It must also indicate the history of ownership—how the seller came to own the land in the first place.

This document is legally powerful and must be prepared by a property lawyer. After signing, it should be submitted for Governor’s Consent, which we’ll explain shortly.

A Deed of Assignment without proper registration is like buying a car and not transferring the papers—ownership can easily be disputed.

The Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)

Now, this is one of the most talked-about property documents in Lagos.

The Certificate of Occupancy, often called the “C of O,” is proof that the government officially recognizes someone’s right to occupy a piece of land for 99 years.

If a land has a C of O, it means the land has been titled and recognized by the Lagos State Government.

Not all lands have this document, and that doesn’t always mean it’s illegal—but buying land with a valid C of O is the safest route.

It reduces the risk of future government interference and makes getting loans or building approvals easier. However, it’s important to confirm that the C of O truly belongs to the land you’re buying. Cross-check with the Ministry of Lands to be sure.

The Governor’s Consent

This one often confuses people. If a land already has a C of O and is being sold to someone else, the new buyer must obtain the Governor’s Consent.

Why? Because under Nigerian land law, no land transaction is considered fully legal without the consent of the Governor of the state.

The Governor’s Consent is not a casual formality—it’s a legal requirement. Without it, the sale remains incomplete in the eyes of the law. It’s part of what turns your Deed of Assignment into a fully recognized document.

The Gazette

Now, not all lands in Lagos are initially free from government acquisition. Some are acquired by the government but later released to the original landowners—often communities—through a formal process.

When this happens, the release is published in an official record called a Gazette.

A Gazette shows that the land has been excised, meaning it is no longer under government acquisition and can now be owned and sold legally. If the land you’re planning to buy falls under this category, ask for the Gazette and verify it.

Buying land with a valid Gazette is better than buying land with nothing at all, but still not as solid as a C of O.

The Receipt

Yes, it sounds basic, but the purchase receipt is also important. It shows that money has exchanged hands and helps to track the financial side of the transaction.

It includes the date of purchase, the amount paid, the names of both parties, and the description of the land.

While a receipt alone doesn’t mean you now own land, it complements your other documents—especially the Deed of Assignment.

The Contract of Sale

This is sometimes prepared before the Deed of Assignment. It outlines the agreement between both parties before the land is officially transferred. Think of it as a promise-to-sell document.

It usually spells out payment terms (e.g., installments), timelines, and other conditions of the sale.

It’s useful in cases where payment is staggered over time or where the buyer needs a few months to perfect documents.

However, it is not a substitute for the Deed of Assignment.

Family or Community Consent (if it’s family land)

If you’re buying land from a family or community—which is still common in Lagos—you must get the consent of all principal family members or the land-owning community heads.

This is very important. If just one person signs and others later disagree, your ownership could be challenged.

Many people have found themselves battling “omo onile” (land touts or family claimants) simply because they didn’t get proper family or community consent.

Ensure a family resolution or legal confirmation is obtained.

Government Allocation Letter (for government schemes)

If you’re buying land from a government housing scheme or state-owned development, you’ll receive a Government Allocation Letter. This letter assigns the land to you and states the terms under which you can occupy it.

This letter usually comes before the C of O is issued, and it’s your first legal evidence of land allocation.

It is very common in places like Lekki and other government-developed areas in Lagos.

Conclusion: Don’t Just Buy Land—Buy Peace of Mind

Buying land in Lagos is a serious investment. And while the market is full of promises, it’s also full of pitfalls. Knowing the documents you need to buy land in Lagos can help you avoid heartache and financial loss.

Whether you’re buying land with a C of O, a Gazette, or through a Deed of Assignment, make sure everything is checked, verified, and registered properly.

Don’t just depend on what the seller says. Involve professionals—real estate lawyers, surveyors, and agents who understand Lagos terrain.

Always confirm documents from the Lagos State Land Registry and avoid cash-only deals without paperwork.

The right documents protect your ownership today and into the future.

If you’re ever in doubt, ask questions.

And if you’re serious about doing it right, reach out to someone who knows the Lagos real estate landscape like the back of his hand. Someone like, well… me.

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EFCC boss fingers insider-aided cyber attacks on Nigerian banks

…Bank employees have played a crucial role in granting unauthorized access to hackers operating from countries including the United States and Eastern Europe.

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The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Barrister Ola Olukoyede, has raised concerns over a wave of sophisticated cyberattacks targeting Nigerian banks, revealing that insiders are collaborating with foreign hackers to siphon off billions of naira.

Olukoyede spoke on TVC News’ Journalists Hangout and disclosed that six commercial banks have been hit by coordinated cyber intrusions involving a syndicate of local and international criminals exploiting internal vulnerability.

He emphasised that compromised bank employees have played a crucial role in granting unauthorized access to hackers operating from countries including the United States and Eastern Europe.

” Once access is gained, the attackers swiftly transfer large sums of money within seconds.

“These are highly coordinated attacks, and insiders play a critical role. In some cases, billions were moved in a matter of moments, but we were able to recover N9.7 billion, N6.7 billion, and N3.7 billion in three separate incidents,” said Olukoyede.

He clarified that while the attacks are severe, the institutions are not to blame. Rather, the breaches stem from the actions of rogue staff.

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