Dangote Refinery Expands to 1.4 Million Barrels Daily, Surpassing India’s Jamnagar Facility

Dangote Refinery has announced plans to expand its crude oil processing capacity from 650,000 barrels per day to an impressive 1.4 million barrels per day. Once completed, this expansion will make the Lagos-based refinery the largest in the world, overtaking India’s Jamnagar Refinery.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Sunday, Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, said the expansion reflects confidence in Nigeria’s economic potential and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of positioning the country as a global energy powerhouse.

“We are more than doubling the barrels to 1.4 million from 650,000. This will make it the largest refinery in the world,” Dangote stated. “This expansion is about confidence in Nigeria, in Africa, and in our capacity to shape our own energy future.”

Dangote also commended the Federal Government for supporting private sector investments through policies such as Nigeria’s First Policy, the Naira-for-Crude Policy, and the One-Stop Shop Initiative. He noted that these measures have revitalized the downstream oil sector and strengthened investor confidence.

He revealed that the refinery’s recent challenges, including disruptions caused by union activities and sabotage, were swiftly resolved through government mediation.

The expansion project is expected to create approximately 65,000 jobs during construction and open up new opportunities for local industries. Beyond crude oil refining, the upgraded facility will significantly increase polypropylene production from 900,000 metric tonnes to 2.4 million metric tonnes per annum. It will also produce base oils and linear alkylbenzene—an essential component in detergent manufacturing.

In addition, the refinery will meet Euro VI fuel standards, ensuring environmentally friendly and low-emission products. It will also expand its power generation capacity, ensuring full operational independence.

With this major expansion, the Dangote Refinery is set to cement Nigeria’s position as a global leader in energy production and a key player in the international oil market.