The Dangote Refinery has announced a major expansion, raising its processing capacity from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to an impressive 1.4 million bpd. This bold move cements its place among the world’s largest refineries and strengthens Nigeria’s push toward energy independence.
Situated in the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos, the refinery’s upgraded capacity is expected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products. It will produce a wide range of refined products, including premium motor spirit (PMS), diesel, aviation fuel, and petrochemical feedstocks.
Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said the expansion reflects the company’s ambition to transform Nigeria into a regional hub for petroleum refining and export. He explained that the upgrade will not only boost national productivity but also open new avenues for employment and foreign exchange earnings.
Energy analysts view the development as a turning point for Africa’s oil market, noting that the refinery’s expanded output could stabilize fuel supply across the continent. The increased capacity positions Nigeria to satisfy domestic demand and export refined products to other regions, strengthening its economic influence in the global energy space.
With this expansion, the Dangote Refinery reaffirms its role as a catalyst for industrial growth and a cornerstone of Nigeria’s drive for energy self-sufficiency.
