The Dangote Group has unveiled plans to double the capacity of its Lagos-based oil refinery from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day, positioning it to become the largest refining complex in the world.
Group President Aliko Dangote confirmed the development in an interview with S&P Global, noting that the expansion will be funded in partnership with investors from the Middle East. The move follows earlier reports that the refinery was targeting a smaller increase to 700,000 barrels per day by the end of 2025.
The planned expansion underscores Dangote’s ambition to strengthen Africa’s energy independence and reduce its dependence on imported fuels. Since beginning operations, the refinery has already transformed Nigeria into a net exporter of diesel and aviation fuel while significantly cutting petrol imports.
“We’re committed to building Africa’s energy future. It’s a challenging task, but we have the infrastructure and experience here in Nigeria to make it happen,” Dangote said.
Industry experts say the refinery’s Lekki facility was intentionally designed to accommodate future growth, with available space for additional refining systems. The expansion could include a second refinery unit and new processing equipment to boost production efficiency.
Alongside refining, the company also plans to grow its petrochemicals output. Projects under consideration include linear alkylbenzene and base oil production, as well as an increase in polypropylene capacity from one million to 1.5 million metric tonnes annually.
To finance the expansion, Dangote secured a $4 billion deal in August and is now exploring strategic equity partnerships. The billionaire revealed that the refining business will list between 5 and 10 percent of its shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange within a year, with plans to eventually reduce his personal stake to around 65–70 percent.
He also noted that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, which currently holds a 7.2 percent stake, may be given an opportunity to increase its shareholding after the next phase of the project is underway.
Despite a temporary shutdown of the refinery’s main catalytic cracking unit in September, operations have since resumed. The company’s vice president for operations, Devakumar Edwin, confirmed that maintenance is ongoing to ensure full capacity in the coming weeks.
Dangote remains optimistic about Africa’s refining future, arguing that smaller regional projects will not be enough to meet the continent’s rising fuel demand. “Without large-scale private investments, Africa’s energy needs will outpace supply,” he warned.
With the expansion, the Dangote Refinery is set to surpass India’s Jamnagar complex — currently the world’s largest with a capacity of 1.36 million barrels per day — marking a major milestone for Nigeria’s industrial and energy ambitions.
