Sim Tshabalala, chief executive officer of Standard Bank Group, has called the Dangote Refinery a “wonder of the world,” praising its scale and impact during a visit to the project in Lagos. Speaking at the Dangote Refinery and Fertilizer Plant, Tshabalala said the facility is not only large and productive but also capable of reshaping the economic landscape around it. He also indicated that Standard Bank will play a key role in the refinery’s planned market debut in September 2026, highlighting the lender’s position in the upcoming listing process.
Devakumar Edwin, group vice president for oil and gas at Dangote Industries, responded by framing the bank’s ongoing involvement as a sign of how deep the partnership runs. He said Standard Bank engaged with the project during the construction phase and gained a clear understanding of the undertaking’s magnitude. Edwin added that with the refinery now fully operational, the bank can directly observe the results of its support—describing the relationship as similar to nurturing a tree until it eventually bears fruit.
David Bird, managing director and chief executive of the Dangote Refinery, likewise emphasized Standard Bank’s commitment, calling it one of the project’s most reliable and steady supporters. Bird said the value of such backing becomes clearer when partners can see the finished operation, noting that firsthand observation helps stakeholders appreciate the full scale of what has been achieved.
