The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is set to become the largest refinery in the world as it moves 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 the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, during a press conference at the refinery complex.
Dangote said the expansion demonstrates strong confidence in Nigeria’s economic future and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of transforming the country into a major global supplier of refined petroleum products.
“We are more than doubling capacity from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million,” Dangote said. “This will make the Dangote Refinery the largest in the world, surpassing India’s Jamnagar Refinery.”
He added that the expansion reflects not only the group’s confidence in Nigeria and Africa’s industrial potential but also a commitment to building energy independence across the continent.
“This expansion is about confidence in Nigeria, in Africa, and in our capacity to shape our own energy future,” he said.
Government Policies Spurring Growth
Dangote praised the Federal Government for introducing policies that have helped attract major private investment into the energy and industrial sectors, including the Nigeria First Policy, Naira-for-Crude Policy, and the One-Stop Shop Initiative.
He explained that these reforms have made the operating environment more competitive, increased investor confidence, and revolutionised the country’s downstream petroleum sector.
According to him, government intervention also helped resolve recent disruptions at the refinery caused by union activities and attempted sabotage, ensuring continued operations and staff welfare.
Expansion to Create 65,000 Jobs
Dangote revealed that the expansion phase would generate around 65,000 jobs during construction, providing fresh opportunities for local contractors, engineers, and service providers.
The upgraded facility will not only refine crude oil but will also increase polypropylene production from 900,000 metric tonnes to 2.4 million metric tonnes per year, while boosting the production of base oils and linear alkylbenzene, a key ingredient in detergent manufacturing.
He said the refinery will produce Euro VI-standard fuels, meeting the world’s highest environmental and emission benchmarks, while also increasing power generation capacity to ensure full operational self-sufficiency.
“Our goal has never been just to refine oil,” Dangote stated. “It is to refine opportunities for our people.”
Assurance of Steady Fuel Supply
Addressing concerns over fuel availability during the festive season, Dangote assured Nigerians that there would be no fuel scarcity or price hikes, even with the recent rise in global oil prices.
“For the first time in many years, Nigerians can look forward to a Christmas and New Year free of fuel anxiety,” he said.
He added that the refinery has put measures in place to ensure uninterrupted petrol supply across the country during the ember months.
‘A Game-Changer for Nigeria’
The Dangote Refinery, located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos, was inaugurated in May 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who described it as a “game-changer” for Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth.
Although the facility was commissioned in 2023, it commenced operations in January 2024 after receiving an initial six million barrels of crude oil.
Since then, the refinery has begun supplying both local and international markets, contributing to improved domestic fuel availability and a gradual reduction in Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products.
Dangote said the ongoing expansion will not only cement Nigeria’s place on the global energy map but also deepen the country’s industrial base and strengthen its economic resilience.
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