World’s largest refinery to rise in Nigeria as Dangote boosts capacity

Dangote Refinery has announced plans to increase its production capacity from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day.

When completed, this expansion will make it the largest refinery in the world, bigger than the Jamnagar Refinery in India.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Sunday, the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said the move shows strong confidence in Nigeria’s future and supports President Bola Tinubu’s goal of making the country a leading supplier of refined petroleum products.

“We are more than doubling our capacity from 650,000 to 1.4 million barrels per day,” Dangote said. “This will make ours the largest refinery in the world.”
He explained that the expansion demonstrates faith in Nigeria, in Africa, and in the continent’s ability to shape its energy future.

Dangote also praised the Federal Government for supporting local industries through policies such as Nigeria’s First Policy, the Naira-for-Crude Policy, and the One-Stop Shop Initiative. According to him, these policies have encouraged private investment and strengthened the downstream oil sector.

He noted that the government helped to resolve recent challenges at the refinery caused by union disruptions and sabotage.

The expansion project is expected to create about 65,000 jobs during construction and open new opportunities for local industries.

It will also boost production of polypropylene from 900,000 to 2.4 million metric tonnes a year, as well as increase the production of base oils and linear alkylbenzene, a major ingredient in detergents.

The upgraded refinery will produce Euro VI-standard fuels that meet top global environmental standards. It will also have improved power generation capacity to ensure uninterrupted operations.

“Our aim is not just to refine oil but to create opportunities for Nigerians,” Dangote added.

No More Fuel Shortages

Dangote assured Nigerians that there will be no fuel shortages during the festive period despite rising global oil prices.

He said the refinery is ready to maintain steady supply and stable prices throughout the year-end season.

“For the first time in many years, Nigerians can look forward to a festive season without fuel worries,” he said.

A Game-Changer for Nigeria
The Dangote Refinery was inaugurated in May 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who described it as a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy.

Production began in January 2024 after the delivery of six million barrels of crude oil. Since then, the refinery has supplied both local and international markets and helped reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petrol.