Dangote Refinery
Africa’s biggest oil refinery, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, is gearing up for a monumental upgrade that will nearly double its daily production capacity — from 650,000 barrels per day (BPD) to a staggering 1.4 million BPD within the next three years.
When the expansion is complete, the facility will not only stand as the largest refinery in the world but also mark a decisive step toward energy independence for Nigeria and the African continent.
The announcement came from Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Ltd., during an event held on Sunday in Lagos.
According to him, the move underscores unwavering confidence in the region’s potential.
> “This expansion reflects our confidence in Nigeria’s future, our belief in Africa’s potential, and our commitment to building energy independence for our continent and the world,” Dangote stated.
“It is about confidence in Nigeria, in Africa, and in our capacity to shape our own energy future.”
Dangote noted that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of positioning Nigeria as a global petroleum supplier. He commended the President for creating a supportive policy environment through initiatives such as the Nigeria First Policy, Naira-for-Crude Policy, and the establishment of a one-stop investment hub that has boosted industrial growth and investor trust.
The expansion, he explained, is expected to meet rising regional fuel demand, cut reliance on imports, save billions in foreign exchange, and bolster Nigeria’s energy security.
Construction of the new facilities will reportedly create over 65,000 jobs, stimulating local industries and enhancing Africa’s technical expertise in large-scale industrial projects.
Dangote further revealed plans to increase polypropylene production from 900,000 metric tonnes to 2.4 million metric tonnes annually, strengthening domestic supply chains for industrial materials such as linear alkylbenzene (used in detergents) and base oils.
> “With this expansion, the refinery will transition from producing Euro V to Euro VI fuel standards, meeting the highest global environmental benchmarks,” he said.
“It will also expand our power generation capacity, ensuring full operational self-sufficiency.”
Highlighting the refinery’s local impact, Dangote mentioned that over 85 percent of the workforce are Nigerians, with sustained investment in skills training, safety, sustainability, and technology transfer.
> “We remain committed to safety, sustainability, and local participation at every stage of this expansion,” he added.
“Our goal has never been just to refine oil, but to refine opportunities for our people.”
In a move toward greater transparency and inclusion, Dangote disclosed plans to list the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex on the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. within the next year, opening the door for wider public ownership.
> “Our long-term goal is to build Africa’s leading integrated energy and petrochemical hub, the first of its kind on the continent,” he said.
He also reassured Nigerians of steady fuel supply during the upcoming festive season, despite global oil price volatility.
> “As we approach the end of the year, Nigerians often face fuel shortages and price hikes.
I want to assure everyone that the Dangote Refinery is fully committed to maintaining uninterrupted supply throughout the festive season.
For the first time in many years, Nigerians can look forward to a festive season free of fuel anxiety,” he said.
Dangote expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, the Federal and Lagos State Governments, the Lekki host community, financial partners, and the refinery’s workforce for their continued support.
> “This expansion is not just about increasing capacity, it’s about confidence in our people, our country, and our continent. Together, we are building a stronger Nigeria and redefining what is possible for Africa,” he affirmed.
Calling for collaboration across the industry, Dangote urged other refinery license holders to work together to make Nigeria the refining capital of Africa.
> “When Africa builds its own capacity, it builds its own destiny,” he concluded.
