Dangote Refinery to double output, set to become world’s largest oil refinery
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is set for a massive expansion that will increase its production capacity from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.4 million bpd, positioning it as the largest single-train refinery in the world and surpassing India’s Jamnagar Refinery.
Announcing the development at a press conference in Lagos on Sunday, Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, described the project as a demonstration of confidence in Nigeria’s economic future and a key step toward energy independence for Africa’s most populous nation.
“We are more than doubling production from 650,000 to 1.4 million barrels per day.
”Once complete, this will be the world’s largest refinery. This expansion reflects our belief in Nigeria, in Africa, and in our ability to shape our own energy future, ” he said.
Dangote emphasised that the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s vision to transform Nigeria into a global hub for refined petroleum products.
He expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its policy support through initiatives such as the Nigeria First Policy, the Naira-for-Crude Policy, and the One-Stop Shop Initiative measures he said have revolutionized the downstream oil and gas sector and encouraged large-scale private investments.
Dangote also revealed that government intervention had recently helped resolve operational disruptions at the refinery, which were linked to union-related issues and sabotage attempts.
According to Dangote, the expansion project is expected to create over 65,000 jobs during its construction phase and will open new industrial opportunities across the country.
The refinery’s output would not only increase crude oil refining but also expand the production of polypropylene from 900,000 metric tonnes to 2.4 million metric tonnes per annum.
Additional products will include base oils and linear alkylbenzene, key raw materials used in detergent manufacturing.
The facility’s upgraded operations will produce Euro VI-standard fuels, ensuring compliance with the world’s highest environmental and emissions benchmarks.
Dangote also said that the refinery would enhance its power generation capacity, guaranteeing energy self-sufficiency for its operations.
“Our goal has never been just to refine oil,” he said. “We aim to refine opportunities for our people.”
Addressing concerns over potential fuel shortages during the upcoming festive season, Dangote assured Nigerians of stable fuel supply and consistent pricing despite recent volatility in global oil markets.
“For the first time in many years, Nigerians can look forward to a festive season free from fuel anxiety,” he said.
Commissioned in May 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Dangote Refinery has been described as a “game-changer” for Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth.
Production officially commenced in January 2024 following the delivery of six million barrels of crude oil.
Since operations began, the refinery has significantly boosted domestic fuel availability, reduced import dependency, and started supplying both local and international markets with refined products.
The latest expansion is expected to cement Nigeria’s position as a net exporter of refined petroleum, marking a new era for Africa’s energy landscape.
