Dangote Begins Test Run of $2bn Fertilizer Plant

By UDO ONYEKA with Agency Report

 Dangote Group  has started a test run of a $2 billion fertilizer plant that will make Africa’s most populous country meet all its domestic demand.

This followed the completion of critical sections of the plant, including the central control room, the ammonia and urea bulk storage area and the cooling tower, the company said in an emailed statement.

“By the time our plant is fully commissioned, the country will become self sufficient in fertilizer production and even have the capacity to export the products to other African countries,” said Devakumar Edwin, group executive director for strategy, portfolio development and projects at Dangote Industries Ltd, said in the statement.

The plant, constructed by Saipem of Italy andTata Consulting Engineers of India, will be the biggest in the world with capacity for 3 million tons of fertilizer a year.

It’s being powered with gas piped by the Nigerian Gas Company and Chevron Nigeria Ltd. under an agreement to supply 70 million cubic feet of gas daily.