By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
Smoke spiralled across the sky on Wesnesday as Dangote Refinery, the largest in Africa caught fire.
The cause of the incident was unknown as at press time. Sources close to the multi-billion Naira venture told Irohinoodua that the management was awed by the sudden fire coming amidst earlier outcry of threats to the Refinery by cartels who feed on Petroleum imports
The company in a statement made available to Irohinoodua authored by the
Chief Corporate Communications Officer of Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina said
“We have swiftly contained a minor fire incident at our effluent treatment plant (ETP) today, Wednesday, 26th of June.
“There is no cause for alarm as the refinery is operating normally, and there are no recorded injuries or bodily harm to any of our staff on duty.”
On Monday, operators in the downstream oil sector asked the Federal Government to provide crude oil for Dangote Petroleum Refinery since most marketers prefer to purchase refined products instead of buying from Dangote.
International oil marketers have also been selling crude oil to Dangote far above the global market prices.
Few days ago, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries said International oil companies are working hard to frustrate local efforts aimed at improving oil Refinery in Nigeria.
He said while Nigeria issued 25 licenses for the construction of refineries in Nigeria, only Dangote took up the task.