The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is on track to become the largest oil refining facility in the world, following an ambitious plan by the Dangote Group to increase its production capacity from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.4 million bpd.
The announcement was made on Sunday in Lagos by Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of the Dangote Group, during a press conference. He said the expansion project reflects renewed optimism about Nigeria’s economic future and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of transforming the nation into a global hub for refined petroleum products.
“We are more than doubling the barrels from 650,000 to 1.4 million,” Dangote stated. “This will make our facility the largest refinery in the world, surpassing India’s Jamnagar Refinery.”
According to Dangote, the project is a testament to Africa’s confidence in defining its own energy destiny.
“This expansion is about faith in Nigeria, in Africa, and in our ability to shape our energy future,” he said.
Dangote commended the Federal Government for its role in fostering a business-friendly environment through initiatives such as the Nigeria’s First Policy, Naira-for-Crude Policy, and the One-Stop Shop Initiative. He noted that these policies have transformed the downstream oil sector and encouraged greater private investment in local refining.
He also appreciated government intervention in resolving recent operational challenges linked to union activities and sabotage attempts, assuring that full stability had now been restored at the facility.
The billionaire industrialist revealed that the ongoing expansion would create over 65,000 jobs during the construction phase and stimulate local manufacturing and supply chains across the country.
Beyond crude oil refining, the refinery will also boost polypropylene output from 900,000 metric tonnes to 2.4 million metric tonnes per annum, and expand production of base oils and linear alkylbenzene, a vital raw material in detergent production.
The upgraded facility will produce Euro VI-standard fuels, meeting some of the strictest environmental and emission standards globally. It will also enhance the refinery’s power generation capacity, ensuring complete operational self-sufficiency.
“Our goal has never been just to refine oil, but to refine opportunities for our people,” Dangote emphasized.
Addressing public concerns over potential fuel shortages during the upcoming festive season, Dangote gave assurances of steady petrol supply despite ongoing global market volatility.
“For the first time in many years, Nigerians can look forward to a festive season free of fuel anxiety,” he said.
Commissioned in May 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Dangote Refinery began production in January 2024 after receiving an initial supply of six million barrels of crude oil. Since then, it has been supplying both local and international markets, drastically reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products.
At its inauguration, Buhari described the refinery as a “game-changer” and a major step forward for Nigeria’s economic transformation.
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