The Dangote refinery has announced its decision to set a 1.4M barrels per day (bpd) capacity plan.
Africa’s richest man and Group President Aliko Dangote confirmed intentions to expand the complex from its current 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.4M bpd.
The decision of Dangote Refinery to set a 1.4M bpd target will instantly position the Nigerian facility as the largest oil refinery in the world, eclipsing India’s Jamnagar refinery, which currently holds the top spot at 1.36 million bpd.
Dangote, while addressing a press conference on Sunday, October 26, 2025, said the expansion is to ensure that Nigeria has enough fuel supply per day.
Africa’s richest man also added that the move reflects confidence in Nigeria’s future and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of making the country a global supplier of refined petroleum products.
“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,” he said.
Dangote said the expansion process will take three years to complete.
“We know now where all the dead bodies are buried, and we will try and avoid all those areas,” he said.
“Also, we already have the infrastructure. So, it will take us a very short period of time.
“It is President Bola Tinubu’s dream for Nigeria to emerge as one of the major petroleum hubs in the world.”
Dangote said the proposed expansion, when completed, would “save and generate billions of dollars and guarantee energy security”.
The industrialist said at least 65,000 workers will be required for the expansion project.
“Over 85 percent of the workforce will be Nigerian, with ongoing investment in skills and transfer,” he added.
“Our goal has been to find opportunities for our people.”
Dangote said the refinery would be listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) in 2026, adding that all Nigerians will be able to purchase shares.
“We want to give all Nigerians the opportunity to own a part of the refinery. They can buy as many shares as they need,” he said.
Dangote added that the project will be financed through cash flow, “and we also have one or two strategic investors”.
Aside from the decision of Dangote refinery to set a 1.4M bpd target, the expansion project is also expected to boost polypropylene production from 900,000 metric tonnes to 2.4 million metric tonnes per annum, alongside the production of base oils and linear alkylbenzene, a key ingredient for detergents.
The upgraded facility will produce Euro VI-standard fuels, meeting the world’s highest environmental and emission standards. It will also increase power generation capacity, ensuring operational self-sufficiency.
“Our goal has never been just to refine oil, but to refine opportunities for our people,” Dangote added.
