The Project Management Institute (PMI) has commended the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, describing it as a global benchmark for excellence and innovation in project delivery.
A delegation from PMI’s global board, led by Lenka Pincot, Chief of Staff to the organisation’s Global CEO, visited Nigeria and met with executives from the Dangote Group’s Community of Practice for Project Management. During the visit, Pincot praised the refinery as a remarkable example of what effective project management can achieve, noting its significant contribution to Nigeria’s economy and the global energy sector.
“This project demonstrates PMI’s mission to drive success through world-class execution,” she said, adding that the refinery’s scale and impact show how disciplined management can transform societies. She also hinted at plans for PMI to collaborate more closely with Dangote Industries, sharing insights from the refinery with its worldwide community of professionals.
Devakumar Edwin, Vice President for Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries, attributed the refinery’s success to meticulous planning, risk management, and strong internal processes. He said the company’s consistent focus on structure and discipline has enabled it to deliver complex projects across its various sectors, from cement and fertiliser to sugar and now petroleum refining.
The company’s Group Chief Human Resource Officer, Nglan Niat, said Dangote Industries has invested heavily in building its project management capabilities. Through its partnership with PMI, the group secured 300 professional licences and launched a Project Management Development Programme to train employees and promote efficiency, accountability, and quality across all projects.
George Asamani, PMI’s Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, said the Dangote Refinery holds enormous value for Africa’s industrial future. He emphasised that PMI’s collaboration with Dangote will explore new frontiers such as sustainability, artificial intelligence, and advanced construction management.
Echoing similar sentiments, Adeola Akande, PMI’s Head of Community for Sub-Saharan Africa, described the refinery as a testament to Nigeria’s growing capacity to execute world-class infrastructure.
According to Shehu Adekanye, Group Head of Procurement at Dangote and an executive member of its Community of Practice, the company formally launched the initiative in June 2025 to make project management a strategic pillar across its operations. He said the effort has already improved coordination, performance, and delivery outcomes across the group.
The Dangote Refinery, one of the largest single-train refineries in the world, continues to gain international recognition for its ambitious vision, disciplined execution, and contribution to Africa’s industrial and economic growth.
