The Dangote Refinery has announced a major expansion of its crude oil processing capacity from 650,000 barrels per day to an impressive 1.4 million barrels per day, officially making it the largest single-train refinery in the world.
This milestone marks a significant leap for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, positioning the country as a global refining powerhouse and reducing dependence on imported petroleum products.
Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, confirmed the development on Sunday, describing the move as a bold step toward meeting Africa’s growing energy demand. “We are more than doubling our refinery’s capacity from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day. This expansion underscores our confidence in Nigeria’s economy and our commitment to industrial growth,” Dangote said.
Located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos, the refinery has already begun operations at 650,000 barrels per day but is set for rapid scaling with additional refining units being installed. According to officials, the facility was originally designed with provisions for future capacity upgrades, making this expansion both feasible and timely. Engineers at the site revealed that the upgrade would include advanced refining technologies to meet Euro 6 fuel standards, ensuring cleaner and more efficient energy production.
The refinery’s management noted that the expansion will not only meet Nigeria’s local fuel needs but also boost export capacity to other African countries. Dangote explained that the new output level would allow the refinery to supply refined petroleum products across West and Central Africa, significantly improving regional energy security. He added that the move aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy to become self-sufficient in petroleum refining and to cut down foreign exchange spent on fuel imports.
There are also plans to list a portion of the refinery’s shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, providing opportunities for both local and international investors. Dangote revealed that discussions are ongoing with several global partners and financiers from the Middle East to support the expansion. “We are open to strategic partnerships that will strengthen our operations and create more value for stakeholders,” he stated.
Although a specific timeline for achieving the full 1.4 million barrels per day output has not been announced, Dangote assured that work is progressing rapidly. Industry experts believe the expansion could transform Nigeria into one of the leading refining hubs globally, boosting job creation, increasing government revenue, and stabilizing the nation’s energy market.