Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced plans to expand its production capacity from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day.
Speaking at a news briefing in Lagos, the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said the expansion would make the facility the largest refinery in the world, surpassing India’s Jamnagar Refinery.
According to him, polypropylene production will also rise from 900,000 metric tonnes to 2.4 million metric tonnes annually, boosting the output of linear alkylbenzene, a key ingredient in detergent production, as well as base oils.
Dangote commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for implementing policies such as Nigeria’s First, Naira-for-Crude, and One-Stop Shop, which he said are driving industrialisation and promoting domestic refining.
“These policies are driving a revolution in Nigeria’s downstream sector, promoting domestic refining and export of finished petroleum products,” he said.
The billionaire industrialist noted that the refinery’s expansion will save the country billions of dollars in foreign exchange, reduce import dependence, and strengthen Nigeria’s energy security.
He disclosed that about 65,000 jobs will be created during the construction phase, while the project will open new opportunities for local industries.
Dangote thanked the Federal Government for its intervention in resolving recent disruptions caused by union activities. While adding that the expansion aligns with President Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria to become a leading global supplier of refined petroleum products.
The refinery will also be upgraded to meet Euro VI fuel standards, ensuring compliance with international environmental benchmarks.
On manpower, Dangote said more than 85 percent of the refinery’s workforce will be Nigerians, with significant investments in skills development and technology transfer.
The refinery further assured Nigerians of a steady fuel supply during the ember months despite global oil price fluctuations, promising a festive season free of fuel scarcity and price hikes.
RN
