Africa’s richest man says upgraded facility could become world’s largest, surpassing India’s Jamnagar refinery…..
President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has announced an ambitious expansion of the Dangote Refinery, revealing that the project will employ up to 95,000 skilled workers at the height of construction.
Dangote made the disclosure on Saturday in Lagos during his induction as an honorary fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, describing the expansion as a defining step in Nigeria’s push toward industrial growth and self-sufficiency.
According to him, the refinery’s planned scale-up to a production capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day reflects a broader commitment to engineering excellence, job creation, and long-term economic development.
“This recognition speaks to the work we are doing, particularly our focus on building local capacity and engaging skilled professionals,” Dangote said. “At peak construction, we expect around 95,000 workers on-site, and that number will continue to grow as the project advances.”
Once completed, the expanded facility is projected to overtake India’s Jamnagar Refinery, positioning it as the largest refinery in the world and significantly boosting Nigeria’s domestic refining capabilities.
Dangote emphasised that the project will lean heavily on Nigerian talent, opening doors for engineers, technicians, and artisans while strengthening the country’s technical workforce. He noted that the expansion aligns with a long-term vision to accelerate industrialisation not just in Nigeria, but across Africa.
Beyond employment, the refinery upgrade is expected to have wide-ranging economic benefits. These include stimulating local manufacturing, encouraging technology transfer, and deepening Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain.
It is also projected to enhance fuel security, reduce reliance on imported petroleum products, and ease pressure on foreign exchange by cutting import bills.
“The scale of this project reflects our confidence in Nigeria’s capabilities,” Dangote added. “We believe Africa can deliver world-class infrastructure that meets global standards.”
In his remarks, President of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Rahamon Bello, described the honour as well-earned, noting that Dangote’s contributions go beyond infrastructure to inspiring a new generation of innovators.
He said the industrialist’s journey continues to motivate young engineers and entrepreneurs to pursue bold ideas and unlock opportunities within the continent.
The refinery, which currently has a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is expected to reach its new target within the next three years, marking a major leap in Nigeria’s energy landscape.
