A fire erupted this afternoon in a section of the Dangote Refinery, one of Nigeria’s most significant industrial landmarks, causing significant alarm among workers and residents in the vicinity.
A viral video showed thick black smoke billowing from the refinery, accompanied by the sound of emergency sirens. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Firefighters and emergency response teams are yet to arrive at the scene as of press time to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other areas of the facility.
The Dangote Refinery, owned by Nigerian business magnate Aliko Dangote, is a crucial component of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, the refinery is designed to process 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, making it the largest single-train refinery in the world.
The management of Dangote Refinery is yet to release a statement clarifying the about the cause of the incident which has disrupted economic activities in the area.
The fire incident has raised concerns about the impact on Nigeria’s oil production and the potential economic ramifications. However, experts believe that the refinery’s advanced safety systems and emergency protocols will mitigate long-term damage.
This incident which comes days after Dangote alleged mafia sabotage highlights the importance of stringent safety measures in industrial operations and the need for continuous monitoring and preparedness to handle emergencies effectively.