The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is preparing to significantly expand the range of crude oil it can process, with plans to handle as many as 130 different crude grades as part of its long-term growth strategy.

The facility, operated by the Dangote Group and located in the Lekki Free Zone in Lagos, has already reached its full refining capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. It is now positioning for a further expansion that could raise output to around 1.4 million barrels per day.

According to the company’s leadership, the refinery is designed as a merchant-type plant that competes in global crude markets rather than relying on a single or limited supply source. It currently processes about 40 crude varieties but aims to expand this significantly as operations scale up.

The planned upgrade will allow the refinery to source and blend crude from multiple regions, including the Middle East and the United States, giving it greater flexibility in global energy trading and supply management.

Officials say the expansion will also reduce production costs through scale efficiencies, strengthening the refinery’s position among the world’s most competitive large-scale refining operations.

The broader development plan includes integrating petrochemical production and logistics systems, with additional infrastructure being developed across Africa to support distribution and exports.

The company has stated that its long-term objective is to transform Nigeria into a leading exporter of refined petroleum products while competing with major refining hubs across Asia and the Middle East.