Dangote Plans Expansion of Refinery to 1.4 Million Barrels Per Day

Dangote Plans Expansion of Refinery to 1.4 Million Barrels Per Day

By Benedicta Aboh

Africa’s richest man and Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has announced plans to expand the capacity of the Dangote Refinery from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.4 million bpd, positioning it as the largest refinery in the world upon completion.

Speaking in Lagos, Dangote said the expansion, which is expected to be completed within three years, underscores the company’s confidence in Nigeria’s future and Africa’s potential.

“This expansion is about building energy independence for our continent,” he said. “It shows confidence in Nigeria, confidence in the leadership of Mr. President, and belief in our capacity to shape our own energy future.”

Dangote disclosed that the project would create over 65,000 jobs during the construction phase, stimulate local industries, and enhance Nigeria’s energy security. He further revealed that the refinery’s polypropylene production would increase from 900,000 metric tonnes to 2.4 million metric tonnes per annum. The expansion will also introduce the production of linear alkyl benzene and base oil, both key raw materials for detergents and lubricants.

“The expansion reinforces Africa’s ability to build and manage world-class infrastructure,” he noted.

According to Dangote, the refinery will soon transition to Euro 6 fuel standards, aligning with top global environmental benchmarks and opening access to major markets in Europe, the United States, and Latin America.

On sustainability, he said the refinery’s power generation capacity would double from 500 to 1,000 megawatts, with over 85 percent of the workforce being Nigerian. “Our goal has never been just to refine oil but to create opportunities for our people through skills, financing, and partnerships,” he added.

Dangote also announced plans to list the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) within the next year, giving Nigerians the opportunity to own shares in the multibillion-dollar enterprise.

“We want this refinery to belong to all Nigerians,” he declared. “It’s time for everyone to be part of this journey.”

Reaffirming his long-term vision, Dangote said the goal remains to establish Africa’s leading integrated energy and petrochemical hub, ensuring that Nigeria refines all its crude locally and exports finished products.

He urged holders of other refining licenses to align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of transforming Nigeria into Africa’s refining hub.

“When Africa builds its own capacity, it builds its destiny,” Dangote stated, while appreciating the Federal and Lagos State governments, host communities, financial partners, and the refinery’s workforce for their support.

“This expansion is not just about increasing capacity,” he concluded. “It’s about confidence in our people, in the leadership of our country, and in the future of Africa.”

Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group has announced plans to expand the capacity of the Dangote refinery from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day, making it the largest refinery in the world upon completion.

Speaking during a media parley in Lagos,
Dangote stated that the refinery expansion, which will be completed in three years, reflects the company’s confidence in Nigeria’s future and Africa’s potential. He said: “This expansion is about building energy independence for our continent. It shows confidence in Nigeria, confidence in the leadership of Mr. President, and belief in our capacity to shape our own energy future.”
“The project will create over 65,000 jobs during construction, stimulate local industries, and boost Nigeria’s energy security,”

He added: “The expansion will also increase our polypropylene production from 900,000 metric tons to 2.4 million metric tons per annum, alongside the production of linear alkyl benzene and base oil, which are key materials used in detergents and lubricants.
“The expansion reinforces Africa’s ability to build and manage world-class infrastructure,” he noted.

Dangote further explained that the refinery will transition to producing Euro 6 fuel standards, aligning with the highest global environmental benchmarks. “This upgrade will open access to major markets in Europe, the United States, and Latin America,” he said.

On sustainability, he revealed that power generation capacity at the refinery will double from 500 to 1,000 megawatts, while over 85 percent of the workforce will be Nigerian.

“Our goal has never been just to refine oil but to create opportunities for our people through skills, financing, and partnerships,” he said.

He also disclosed that within the next year, the company plans to list the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex on the Nigerian Exchange, NGX, to give Nigerians a chance to own shares in the multi-billion-dollar enterprise.

“We want this refinery to belong to all Nigerians,” he declared. “It’s time for everyone to be part of this journey.”

Dangote reaffirmed his long-term goal of building Africa’s leading integrated energy and petrochemical hub, the first of its kind on the continent.

“Our long-term goal remains clear. When completed, Nigeria will be able to refine all its crude locally and export finished products to other countries.”

He also urged holders of other refining licenses to support President Tinubu’s vision of making Nigeria the refining hub of Africa.

“When Africa builds its own capacity, it builds its destiny,” Dangote declared.

He appreciated the Federal and Lagos State governments, host communities, financial partners, and the refinery’s dedicated workforce for their contributions.

“This expansion is not just about increasing capacity. It’s about confidence in our people, in the leadership of our country, and in the future of Africa.”