Africa’s leading industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand the Dangote Refinery’s capacity from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day, positioning it as the largest refinery in the world upon completion.
Speaking during a media briefing in Lagos over the weekend, Dangote expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support and commitment to Nigeria’s industrial growth. He applauded the administration’s policies that encourage local crude processing and industrial development, describing them as pivotal to the refinery’s next phase of expansion.
Dangote noted that the government’s “naira-for-crude” initiative and its push for domestic refining of Nigeria’s crude oil inspired the group to embark on the massive project.
“The policy of ensuring domestic processing of all crude and exporting only finished petroleum products is an excellent step,” Dangote stated. “With this expansion, Nigeria is on track to become one of Africa’s and the world’s leading suppliers of refined petroleum products.”
He further commended the federal government’s role in addressing recent disruptions caused by union-related issues and acts of sabotage, acknowledging the coordinated efforts of key security and economic agencies.
“We must thank His Excellency, the National Security Adviser, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, the Ministers of Finance, National Planning, and Labour for their tremendous support under the direction of Mr. President,” he added.
According to Dangote, the expansion project—set to be completed within three years—reflects confidence in Nigeria’s future and in Africa’s industrial potential.
“This expansion is about building energy independence for our continent. It shows belief in Nigeria, trust in the leadership of Mr. President, and faith in our collective ability to shape Africa’s energy future,” he said.
The project is expected to create over 65,000 jobs during construction, stimulate domestic industries, and strengthen Nigeria’s energy security. It will also boost polypropylene output from 900,000 metric tons to 2.4 million metric tons annually and introduce the production of linear alkyl benzene and base oils, key ingredients in detergents and lubricants.
Dangote revealed that the refinery will transition to producing Euro 6 fuel standards—aligned with top global environmental benchmarks—which will open access to markets in Europe, the United States, and Latin America.
On sustainability, he disclosed plans to double the refinery’s power generation capacity from 500 megawatts to 1,000 megawatts, with over 85 percent of the workforce to remain Nigerian.
“Our goal has never been just to refine oil,” Dangote explained. “It’s about creating opportunities for Nigerians through jobs, skills, and partnerships.”
He also announced that within the next year, the group intends to list the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), giving Nigerians the opportunity to own shares in the multibillion-dollar enterprise.
“We want this refinery to belong to all Nigerians,” he declared. “This is a national asset, and everyone should be part of this journey.”
Reaffirming his long-term vision, Dangote said the goal remains to make Nigeria fully self-sufficient in refined petroleum products while exporting to other countries across the continent.
“Our long-term goal is clear. When completed, Nigeria will refine all its crude locally and become a major exporter of finished products,” he said, calling on other refinery license holders to align with President Tinubu’s vision of transforming Nigeria into Africa’s refining hub.
“When Africa builds its own capacity, it builds its destiny,” Dangote concluded, while extending appreciation to the federal and Lagos State governments, host communities, financial partners, and the refinery’s dedicated workforce.
“This expansion is not just about capacity; it’s about confidence—in our people, in our leadership, and in the future of Africa,” he affirmed.
