Dangote To Increase Refinery Capacity From 650,000 To 1.4 Million Bpd
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that the Dangote Refinery has announced plans to increase its production capacity from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day.
Once completed, the expansion will make the Dangote Refinery the largest in the world, surpassing India’s Jamnagar Refinery.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Sunday, the President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said the move reflects confidence in Nigeria’s future and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision to position the country as a global hub for refined petroleum products.
“We are more than doubling our capacity—from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million,” Dangote announced. “This expansion will make our refinery the largest in the world, surpassing India’s Jamnagar Refinery.”
Dangote described the project as a vote of confidence in Nigeria and Africa’s potential to shape their own energy destinies.
“This expansion is about confidence in Nigeria, in Africa, and in our ability to define our own energy future,” he said.
The industrialist commended the Federal Government for policies that have encouraged investment in local refining, including the Nigeria First Policy, Naira-for-Crude Policy, and the One-Stop Shop Initiative. He said these policies have revolutionised the downstream oil sector and enhanced private sector participation.
Dangote also revealed that government mediation helped resolve recent operational disruptions at the refinery linked to union activities and sabotage attempts.
The expansion project, he said, is expected to create about 65,000 jobs during its construction phase and open new opportunities for local industries.
In addition to refining crude oil, the upgraded facility will boost polypropylene production from 900,000 metric tonnes to 2.4 million metric tonnes per year. It will also expand production of base oils and linear alkylbenzene, an essential ingredient in detergents.
The upgraded refinery will produce Euro VI-standard fuels, meeting the world’s highest environmental and emission standards. It will also expand its power generation capacity to ensure full operational self-sufficiency.
“Our goal has never been just to refine oil, but to refine opportunities for our people,” Dangote said.
Addressing concerns over potential fuel shortages during the festive season, Dangote assured Nigerians of an uninterrupted petrol supply despite global oil price fluctuations.
“For the first time in many years, Nigerians can look forward to a festive season free of fuel anxiety,” he assured, noting that the refinery is fully prepared to maintain steady product flow and stable prices throughout the “ember months.”
The Dangote Refinery, inaugurated in May 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, has been described as a “game-changer” for Nigeria’s economy. Though launched in 2023, it commenced production in January 2024 after receiving an initial crude supply of six million barrels.
Since then, the refinery has been supplying both domestic and international petroleum markets, significantly boosting local supply and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on fuel imports.
