Nigeria’s Dangote Group has announced plans to expand the capacity of its refining hub from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.4 million bpd, in what would make it the largest single-train refinery in the world.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, industrialist Aliko Dangote said the expansion reflects his confidence in Nigeria, Africa, and the continent’s ability to shape its energy future. The move is also aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of positioning the country as a global supplier of refined petroleum products.

“Our goal has never been just to refine oil, but to refine opportunities for our people,” Dangote said, adding that the enhanced capacity will help ensure a stable fuel supply during high-demand periods and reduce dependency on imports.

Currently operating at 650,000 bpd, the refinery’s upgrade will also boost its petrochemical output — increasing annual polypropylene production from 900,000 metric tonnes to 2.4 million metric tonnes — and expand production of base oils and linear alkylbenzene needed for detergents. The upgraded facility is expected to produce Euro VI-standard fuels and generate power for self-sufficiency.

Dangote noted the project will create around 65,000 jobs during the construction phase and noted the federal government’s policy support has been instrumental. He credited reforms such as the “naira-for-crude” policy and one-stop-shop initiatives for facilitating private investment in refining.

The refinery, located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, was inaugurated in mid-2023 and began operations in early 2024. It currently meets a significant portion of Nigeria’s refined-fuel needs and exports surplus product.

With the planned expansion, Dangote’s refinery is positioned to surpass India’s 1.4 million bpd Jamnagar complex and challenge global giants in refining capacity.

The announcement marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s downstream energy sector and signals growing private-sector confidence in Africa’s refining future.