Africa’s largest oil refinery, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, has received crude oil supplies from Ghana, marking a significant development in regional energy cooperation and West Africa’s oil trade dynamics.

Industry sources confirmed that the refinery took delivery of crude from Ghana’s Sankofa oil field, as it continues to secure feedstock from multiple sources to support its refining operations. The move comes amid shifting crude supply patterns in the region and ongoing adjustments within Nigeria’s domestic oil sector.

The Dangote Refinery, located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, has increasingly relied on a mix of Nigerian and foreign crude to maintain steady operations, particularly as Nigeria grapples with production challenges, pipeline issues, and export commitments.

Energy analysts say the intake of Ghanaian crude highlights the interconnected nature of West Africa’s energy market, where producers and refiners are beginning to look beyond national borders to optimize supply and efficiency.

Ghana’s oil sector, anchored by fields such as Jubilee, TEN, and Sankofa, has in recent years positioned itself as a reliable producer within the region, making its crude attractive to refiners seeking alternative sources.

The development is also seen as a boost for regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, which encourages cross-border exchange of goods and services within Africa.

While officials at the Dangote Group have not disclosed the volume or commercial terms of the shipment, the company has maintained that the refinery’s long-term strategy is to process primarily African crude, reduce fuel imports, and strengthen energy self-sufficiency on the continent.

The Dangote Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is expected to play a central role in reshaping fuel supply across Nigeria and neighbouring countries once fully operational.

© Azeema Aliu | TalkAfrica.ng