Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has unveiled ambitious plans to expand the Dangote Refinery’s capacity from 650,000 barrels per day (b/d) to 1.4 million b/d, a move that would make it the largest oil refinery in the world.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with S&P Global, Dangote confirmed that the Lagos-based $20 billion refinery is preparing for its next growth phase, supported by new financing arrangements and possible investment partnerships from the Middle East.
Once completed, the expansion will allow the refinery — situated within the Lekki Free Zone — to surpass India’s Jamnagar Refinery, which currently holds the global record with a 1.36 million b/d capacity.
Expansion Blueprint and Petrochemical Growth
Dangote noted that the refinery was originally designed with room for expansion, including empty concrete plots designated for an additional refining system, which engineers say will enable seamless scaling.
“We started with 650,000 barrels per day and later targeted 700,000 by the end of the year. Our long-term goal is to reach 1.4 million barrels per day,” Dangote said.
Beyond crude refining, the expansion will bolster petrochemical production, including linear alkylbenzene and base oils, while raising polypropylene output from one million to 1.5 million metric tonnes annually.
Dangote added that his group’s power generation capacity — currently double its consumption — provides a strong foundation for the refinery’s continued industrial growth despite Nigeria’s infrastructural challenges.
$4 Billion Financing Deal and Listing Plans
As part of its broader growth strategy, Dangote Industries secured a $4 billion financing package in August 2025, easing concerns about its debt obligations and reinforcing its financial stability.
The company also plans to list between 5% and 10% of the refinery’s shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), similar to its cement and sugar subsidiaries. Dangote explained that the group would retain 65–70% ownership, with the remainder offered to investors gradually based on market conditions.
The additional capital will fund petrochemical and international projects, including a new plant in China, expanding Dangote Industries’ global footprint.
Refinery Stabilization and Market Impact
The refinery, which began operations in 2024, has encountered temporary challenges — including a short-lived shutdown of its residue fluid catalytic cracker (RFCC) in September 2025 — but operations have since stabilized.
Currently, the Dangote Refinery meets about 80% of Nigeria’s domestic fuel demand, positioning the nation as a net exporter of diesel and jet fuel for the first time in decades.
Dangote on Africa’s Energy Independence
Dangote reiterated his vision for Africa’s energy self-sufficiency, urging more private sector involvement in refining and production.
“Without substantial private investment, most African governments will not have the capacity to build refineries,” he warned, citing high interest rates and inadequate infrastructure as major barriers.
With the planned expansion to 1.4 million barrels per day, Dangote Refinery is on track not only to redefine Nigeria’s energy landscape but also to cement Africa’s position as a major force in the global downstream oil industry.
