Dangote Refinery has announced that it is increasing its production from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day.
When completed, the expansion will make the facility the largest refinery in the world, surpassing the Jamnagar Refinery in India.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Sunday, the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote said the move reflects confidence in Nigeria’s future and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of making the country a global supplier of refined petroleum products.
“We are more than doubling the barrels… to 1.4 million from 650,000,” Dangote told news conference in Lagos.
“This will make it the largest refinery” in the world, surpassing India’s Jamnagar Refinery, he said.
He added that “This expansion is about confidence in Nigeria, in Africa, and in our capacity to shape our own energy future.”
Dangote commended the Federal Government for its support and for implementing policies that have spurred industrial growth, including Nigeria’s First Policy, Naira-for-Crude Policy, and One-Stop Shop Initiative.
He said these policies have revolutionised the downstream sector and encouraged private investment in local refining.
According to him, government mediation also helped resolve recent disruptions at the refinery, which were linked to union activities and sabotage attempts.
The business mogul revealed that the expansion project would generate about 65,000 jobs during the construction phase and open new opportunities for local industries.
In addition to refining crude oil, the project will boost polypropylene production from 900,000 metric tonnes to 2.4 million metric tonnes per annum, alongside the production of base oils and linear alkylbenzene, a key ingredient for detergents.
The upgraded facility will produce Euro VI-standard fuels, meeting the world’s highest environmental and emission standards. It will also increase power generation capacity, ensuring operational self-sufficiency.
“Our goal has never been just to refine oil, but to refine opportunities for our people,” he added.
