The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a major expansion plan that will raise its processing capacity from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.4 million bpd, positioning it as the largest refinery in the world upon completion.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, revealed the development during a press briefing in Lagos on Sunday. He explained that the expansion work will commence immediately and is expected to be completed within three years.
According to him, the refinery’s upgraded capacity will surpass India’s Jamnagar Refinery, which currently ranks as the largest with an estimated capacity of between 1.24 million and 1.36 million bpd.
Dangote noted that the expansion will strengthen Nigeria’s energy security, boost export capacity, and deepen the country’s refining capabilities while reducing dependence on imported petroleum products across Africa.
He said the project will create about 65,000 jobs during the expansion phase, with 85 percent of positions reserved for Nigerians to ensure strong local participation in the refinery’s growth.
The refinery is also set to upgrade from Euro V to Euro VI fuel production standards, meeting the highest global environmental and efficiency requirements. As part of the expansion, power generation at the facility will increase from 500 megawatts to 1,000 megawatts to support greater industrial operations.
Dangote further announced that the refinery is expected to be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 2026, giving citizens and domestic investors an opportunity to own shares in what is considered Africa’s most transformative industrial project.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for continuous government backing and described the project as a demonstration of confidence in Nigeria’s economy and the region’s growing demand for refined products.
“We are more than doubling the barrels to 1.4 million from 650,000. Upon completion, this will make it the largest refinery in the world. We already signed the deal to begin the expansion,” Dangote said.
Industry observers believe the upgraded capacity will significantly change Nigeria’s trade balance, reduce the financial burden of fuel imports, and enhance the country’s global standing in energy markets.
When completed, the Dangote Refinery will officially surpass the Jamnagar Refinery, strengthening Africa’s footprint in the global oil value chain.
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