DANGOTE ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF REFINERY TO 1.4 MILLION BARRELS PER DAY, SET TO BECOME WORLD’S LARGEST

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

‎In a major boost to Nigeria’s industrial and energy ambitions, the Dangote Group has announced plans to expand the Dangote Petroleum Refinery from its current 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day, positioning it as the largest refinery in the world, surpassing India’s Jamnagar Refinery.

‎Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Sunday, Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of the Dangote Group, expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for policies that have created an enabling environment for industrial expansion, particularly the Nigeria’s First Policy, Naira-for-Crude Policy, and the One-Stop Shop Initiative.

‎“This expansion reflects our confidence in Nigeria’s future, our belief in Africa’s potential, and our commitment to building energy independence for our continent and the world,” Dangote stated.

‎“It is about confidence in Nigeria, in Africa, and in our capacity to shape our own energy future.”

‎Dangote said the expansion aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of making Nigeria one of the world’s major suppliers of petroleum products.

‎According to him, the project will: Respond to rising regional demand and reduce import dependence; ‎Save billions in foreign exchange and strengthen Nigeria’s energy security; Create about 65,000 jobs during construction;

‎Reinforce Africa’s ability to build and manage world-class infrastructure.

‎He added that the Federal Government recently played a crucial role in mediating disruptions linked to union activities and sabotage attempts at the refinery, ensuring operations continued unhindered.

‎Beyond refining capacity, the expansion includes a boost in polypropylene production from 900,000 metric tonnes to 2.4 million metric tonnes per annum, supporting industries producing detergent, base oils, and linear alkylbenzene.

‎The refinery will also transition from Euro V to Euro VI fuel standards, achieving the highest global environmental benchmarks. Dangote confirmed that the plant will expand its power generation capacity to ensure full self-sufficiency.

‎“Over 85% of our workforce will be Nigerian,” Dangote said, noting the company’s commitment to local content, safety, and sustainability.

‎As Nigerians prepare for the festive season, Dangote assured the public of uninterrupted petrol supply throughout the ember months, despite recent global oil price increases.

‎“For the first time in many years, Nigerians can look forward to a festive season free of fuel anxiety,” he promised.

‎“Our goal is to ensure consistent product flow at stable prices, eliminating the disruptions and exploitation that have become common during this period.”

‎Dangote further revealed plans to list 10% of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex on the Nigerian Stock Exchange within the next year to promote broader ownership and transparency.

‎“We call on all Nigerians to seize this window and benefit from this golden opportunity,” he said.

‎The long-term goal, he added, is to establish Africa’s leading integrated energy and petrochemical hubthe first of its kind on the continent

‎In his closing statement, Dangote thanked President Tinubu, the Federal and Lagos State Governments, host communities in Lekki, financial partners, and the workforce for their support in realizing the vision.

‎“This expansion is not just about increasing capacity it’s about confidence in our people, our country, and our continent,” he said.

‎“When Africa builds its own capacity, it builds its own destiny.”

‎He also urged holders of other refinery licenses to join efforts in achieving President Tinubu’s dream of making Nigeria the refining hub of Africa.

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