There was palpable panic as fire gutted a section of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery situated at Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, Nigeria.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.
A spokesperson at Dangote Industries Limited in a terse statement said the incident occurred at the Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP).
An ETP is a type of wastewater treatment method which is specifically designed to purify industrial wastewater for its reuse — to release safe water to the environment from the harmful effects caused by the effluent.
He said the fire had been contained, adding that it was a minor incident.
“It has been contained. It was at the effluent treatment plant, where they treat waste. It is a minor incident. It will not in anyway affect the operations,” he said
The petroleum refinery, on January 12, commenced production of diesel and aviation fuel.
The 650,000 bpd capacity refinery was inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2023 — after receiving six shipments of crude.
Its strategic position positions it not only to meet Nigeria’s petroleum needs but also to serve as a vital supplier to other African nations currently reliant on European energy sources.
Recent reports indicate that this $20 billion facility has commenced exporting jet fuel to Europe, marking a significant milestone in its operational capabilities.
Although the refinery has initiated diesel supply to the local market, there has been a slight delay, resulting in a rescheduled supply date now set for the middle of the upcoming month.