Aliko Dangote to Expand Refinery to 1.4 Million bpd, Targeting World’s Largest Capaliko Dangote, founder of the Dangote Group, has announced a massive expansion plan for the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, aiming to boost its production capacity from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.4 million bpd.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, the billionaire industrialist stated that the expansion would make the facility the “largest in the world.”
“This expansion reflects our belief in Africa. It is also about confidence in Nigeria, in the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, in Africa, and in our capacity to shape our own energy future,” Dangote said.
Three-Year Timeline and Economic Impact
Dangote set a three-year deadline for completing the expansion process. He expressed confidence in the timeline, noting that the existing infrastructure would significantly speed up construction.
The decision to expand is driven by a goal to meet African demands and reduce the continent’s reliance on imported petroleum products. Dangote stated that the completed refinery would “save and generate billions in dollars and guarantee energy security.”
Job Creation and Public Ownership
The expansion project is expected to generate a substantial number of jobs, requiring at least 65,000 workers. Dangote assured that “over 85 percent of workforce will be Nigerian,” emphasizing the group’s ongoing investment in skills and local capacity.
Furthermore, Dangote announced that the refinery would be listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) in 2026, allowing all Nigerians to purchase shares and “own a part of the refinery.”
He added that the expansion would be financed primarily through cash flow, along with “one or two strategic investors.”
