…as expansion targets1.4m bpd
By Seun Ibiyemi
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has achieved a major operational milestone after increasing its crude oil processing capacity to 700,000 barrels per day (bpd), surpassing its installed nameplate capacity of 650,000 bpd.
The feat was recorded during a performance test conducted by the refinery’s Process Licensors, underscoring the facility’s engineering strength, operational efficiency and growing influence in the global refining industry.
The development further reinforces the refinery’s status as the world’s largest single-train petroleum refinery and signals its readiness for even more ambitious expansion plans.
Vice President, Oil and Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, disclosed that the increase in processing capacity forms part of a broader strategy aimed at raising output to 1.4 million barrels per day within the next 30 months.
According to Edwin, the expansion programme is designed not only to meet Nigeria’s domestic fuel needs but also to position the refinery as a major global refining hub.
“The refinery’s growth trajectory reflects a deliberate move toward continental and global refining dominance, not just domestic supply sufficiency,” he said.
He noted that the increased capacity would significantly enhance Nigeria’s energy security, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products and strengthen the country’s position as a leading exporter of refined petroleum products.
Owned by renowned industrialist and philanthropist, Aliko Dangote, the refinery commenced fuel production in 2024 and has steadily increased output of premium motor spirit (petrol), diesel, aviation fuel and other petroleum products.
Within a short period, the facility has emerged as a key supplier to domestic and international markets, exporting refined products to several African countries as well as major European destinations including the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands.
The refinery has also supplied gasoline to the United States market and aviation fuel to Saudi Arabia, further expanding its global footprint.
Industry observers say the refinery has increasingly become a stabilising force in Africa’s energy market, particularly amid supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The situation has led several African countries to source refined products from the Lagos-based facility to strengthen their energy security.
In another testament to its growing global relevance, Dangote Petroleum Refinery was recognised by S&P Global Commodities as the world’s largest exporter of jet fuel in April.
Beyond international trade, the refinery has played a critical role in improving fuel availability within Nigeria, reducing the country’s reliance on imported petroleum products and easing pressure on foreign exchange demand.
The project is also aligned with national efforts to maximise value from Nigeria’s crude oil resources by boosting local refining capacity and supporting industrial development.
As production volumes continue to rise, the refinery has attracted growing interest from international crude suppliers and commodity traders, sourcing feedstock from both local and foreign producers to sustain operations.
Looking ahead, Aliko Dangote has unveiled plans to transform the facility into the world’s largest refinery by 2028 through an expansion that would raise processing capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day.
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Analysts believe such an expansion could deliver significant economic benefits, including job creation, increased industrial output, improved trade balances and stronger foreign exchange earnings.
The refinery is also expected to deepen downstream industrialisation through the reliable supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), polypropylene and other critical industrial feedstocks used in the manufacture of packaging materials and consumer goods.
Future plans also include the production of Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB), a key raw material used in detergent manufacturing, further strengthening Nigeria’s industrial value chain and reducing dependence on imports.
