The President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Ltd., Alhaji Aliko Dangote says that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery is set for a historic expansion that will increase its production capacity from 650,000 barrels per day (BPD) to 1.4 million BPD within the next three years.
Dangote, who announced the planned expansion in Lagos on Sunday, said that the expansion would make the refinery the largest in the world.
According to him, the expansion marks a major leap toward energy independence for Nigeria and Africa, thus, reflecting faith in Nigeria’s potential.
“This expansion reflects our confidence in Nigeria’s future, our belief in Africa’s potential, and our commitment to building energy independence for our continent and the world.
“It is about confidence in Nigeria, in Africa, and in our capacity to shape our own energy future,” Dangote said.
Dangote explained that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of making Nigeria a global supplier of petroleum products.
He commended the Nigerian President for supportive initiatives such as the Nigeria First Policy, Naira-for-Crude Policy, and the creation of a one-stop shop for investors, which have spurred industrial growth and strengthened investor confidence.
Dangote also said that the expansion would meet rising regional demand, cut dependence on fuel imports, save billions in foreign exchange, and boost Nigeria’s energy security.
He disclosed that the construction of the new facilities would employ over 65,000 workers, creating opportunities across local industries and building Africa’s technical capacity for large-scale infrastructure.
Dangote announced plans to increase polypropylene production from 900,000 metric tonnes to 2.4 million metric tonnes per annum, boosting local supply of industrial inputs such as linear alkylbenzene, for detergent production and base oils.
“With this expansion, the refinery will transition from producing Euro V to Euro VI fuel standards, meeting the highest global environmental benchmarks.
“It will also expand our power generation capacity, ensuring full operational self-sufficiency,” he said.
He said that more than 85 per cent of the refinery’s workforce are Nigerians, with ongoing investments in skills development, safety, sustainability, and technology transfer.
“We remain committed to safety, sustainability, and local participation at every stage of this expansion.
“Our goal has never been just to refine oil, but to refine opportunities for our people,” he added.
GIK/APA