Dangote Refinery has announced plans to increase its processing capacity from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.4 million bpd—an upgrade that would position the facility as the largest single-train refinery in the world, overtaking India’s Jamnagar Refinery.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Sunday, President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said the expansion underscores strong confidence in Nigeria’s economic trajectory and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to make the country a global hub for refined petroleum products.
"Our goal has never been just to refine oil, but to refine opportunities for our people. We are more than doubling capacity—from 650,000 to 1.4 million barrels per day. This move reflects confidence in Nigeria’s future,” Dangote said
He commended the Federal Government for policies he described as transformative, including the Nigeria’s First Policy, the Naira-for-Crude Policy, and the One-Stop Shop Initiative. These reforms, he noted, are driving greater private sector involvement in domestic refining.
He also disclosed that recent disruptions at the refinery—attributed to union interference and sabotage attempts—were swiftly resolved through government intervention.
The expansion project is expected to create approximately 65,000 jobs during construction and stimulate growth across local manufacturing sectors.
In addition to scaling crude refining, polypropylene output will increase from 900,000 metric tonnes to 2.4 million metric tonnes annually. Production of base oils and linear alkylbenzene (used in detergents) will also be introduced, broadening Nigeria’s industrial value chain.
The upgraded plant will deliver Euro-VI-standard fuels, aligning with top global emission and environmental benchmarks. Dangote also revealed that power generation capacity is being expanded to ensure full operational self-sufficiency.
Addressing public concerns about potential petrol shortages during the upcoming holiday season, Dangote assured that the refinery is fully prepared to sustain stable supply—regardless of global market volatility.
“For the first time in many years, Nigerians can look forward to a festive season free of fuel anxiety,” he said.