The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is set to become the world’s largest oil refining facility, as the Dangote Group on Sunday announced plans to expand its production capacity from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.4 million bpd.
President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, disclosed this during a press conference in Lagos, saying the ambitious expansion underscored renewed confidence in Nigeria’s economic future and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of making the country a global hub for refined petroleum products.
“We are more than doubling the barrels… to 1.4 million from 650,000,” Dangote told journalists. “This will make it the largest refinery in the world, surpassing India’s Jamnagar Refinery.”
According to him, the expansion reflects belief in Africa’s capacity to define its own energy destiny.
“This expansion is about confidence in Nigeria, in Africa, and in our capacity to shape our own energy future,” he added.
Dangote commended the Federal Government for creating a business-friendly environment through policies such as the Nigeria’s First Policy, Naira-for-Crude Policy, and the One-Stop Shop Initiative, which he said have revolutionised the downstream sector and encouraged private investment in local refining.
He also acknowledged government intervention in resolving recent operational disruptions at the refinery linked to union activities and sabotage attempts, assuring that stability had since been restored.
The industrialist revealed that the ongoing expansion project will generate over 65,000 jobs during the construction phase while opening new opportunities for local manufacturing and supply chains.
Beyond crude refining, the facility will also boost production of polypropylene from 900,000 metric tonnes to 2.4 million metric tonnes per annum, alongside base oils and linear alkylbenzene, a key ingredient in detergent production.
The upgraded refinery will produce Euro VI-standard fuels, meeting top global environmental and emission standards. It will also enhance the plant’s power generation capacity, ensuring full operational self-sufficiency.
“Our goal has never been just to refine oil, but to refine opportunities for our people,” Dangote said.
Addressing concerns about potential fuel scarcity during the year-end festive season, Dangote assured Nigerians of steady petrol supply despite global price volatility.
“For the first time in many years, Nigerians can look forward to a festive season free of fuel anxiety,” he assured.
The Dangote Refinery, inaugurated in May 2023 by the then President Muhammadu Buhari, began production in January 2024 after receiving an initial supply of six million barrels of crude oil.
Since operations commenced, the refinery has been supplying both local and international markets, significantly boosting domestic availability and cutting Nigeria’s dependence on imported petrol.
At its inauguration, Buhari had described the project as a “game-changer” and a milestone for Nigeria’s economic transformation.