Dangote Refinery Expansion to 1.4 Million BPD Begins, Promises Stable Fuel Supply This Festive Season
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has officially kicked off the expansion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos, aiming to boost its processing capacity from 650,000 barrels per day (BPD) to 1.4 million BPD. Once complete, the refinery will surpass India’s Jamnagar facility to become the largest in the world. Dangote announced the development on Sunday, highlighting its significance for Nigeria and Africa’s energy landscape.
The expansion comes days after ARISE News reported plans for the upgrade and the potential listing of a portion of the refinery on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Dangote expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for policies that have spurred industrialisation, including the Naira-for-Crude Policy and the One-Stop Shop initiative. “This expansion is about confidence in Nigeria, in Africa, and in our capacity to shape our own energy future,” he said.
The project is expected to employ around 65,000 workers during construction and will significantly enhance the refinery’s petrochemical output. Polypropylene production will increase from 900,000 to 2.4 million metric tonnes annually, alongside expanded production of linear alkylbenzene, base oils, and other petrochemical products. Dangote also confirmed the facility will adopt Euro VI fuel standards and expand power generation capacity to ensure full operational independence.
Over 85% of the refinery’s workforce will be Nigerian, reflecting Dangote’s commitment to local participation, skills development, and environmental sustainability. He further announced plans to list 10% of the refinery and petrochemical complex shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange within the next year, opening opportunities for wider ownership and investment. Strategic partners, financiers, and crude suppliers were invited to collaborate as the refinery positions itself as Africa’s leading integrated energy hub.
Addressing concerns about fuel shortages during the festive season, Dangote assured Nigerians of steady supply and price stability. “For the first time in many years, Nigerians can look forward to a festive season free of fuel anxiety,” he said. He thanked the Federal and Lagos State governments, financial partners, and the refinery workforce, while urging other refinery operators to support the national vision of transforming Nigeria into Africa’s refining powerhouse.
source: arise