Lagos, Nigeria — The Dangote Refinery has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand its production capacity from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.4 million bpd, a move that will make it the largest single-train refinery in the world, overtaking India’s Jamnagar Refinery.
The announcement was made by Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, during a press conference in Lagos on Sunday. Dangote said the expansion underscores his group’s confidence in Nigeria’s economy, Africa’s industrial potential, and the continent’s ability to drive its own energy independence.
“We are more than doubling the barrels… to 1.4 million from 650,000,” Dangote stated. “This will make it the largest refinery in the world, surpassing India’s Jamnagar Refinery.”
He added that the expansion reflects a bold commitment to the future of Africa’s energy landscape, positioning Nigeria as a global hub for refined petroleum products, petrochemicals, and export-driven industrialization.
“This expansion is about confidence in Nigeria, in Africa, and in our capacity to shape our own energy future,” Dangote said.
A Strategic Leap for Africa’s Energy Independence
The expansion will significantly boost Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity, reducing the country’s dependency on imported petroleum products and improving energy security. The Dangote Refinery, located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, is already the largest in Africa and one of the most advanced globally in design and configuration.
Upon completion, the upgraded facility will process multiple crude grades and produce a wide range of refined products, including petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, and polypropylene, catering not only to Nigeria but to regional and international markets.
Industry analysts note that the project will transform Nigeria from a net importer to a net exporter of refined petroleum products, while creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the energy and logistics sectors.
Economic Confidence and Industrial Vision
The expansion aligns with the Federal Government’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in refined petroleum production and boosting non-oil exports. Dangote emphasized that beyond energy production, the refinery’s growth will stimulate local industries, enhance technology transfer, and foster human capital development.
Economic observers say the move signals a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s economic reforms, particularly in fiscal and trade policy, and demonstrates the potential of private sector-led infrastructure development to drive continental growth.
Global Impact and Future Outlook
Once operational at full capacity, the 1.4 million bpd refinery will not only meet West Africa’s fuel demand but also contribute to global supply stability amid shifting energy dynamics. The expansion will place Nigeria at the forefront of global refining capacity and solidify its role in the evolving energy transition landscape.
“We’re not just building capacity,” Dangote remarked. “We’re building confidence — in Nigeria’s capability, in Africa’s potential, and in the idea that our continent can lead in global industry.”
With construction already underway, the expanded Dangote Refinery is expected to come on stream within the next three years, marking a new chapter in Africa’s industrial and economic transformation.
