Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery is implementing technical improvements designed to boost its daily output from 650,000 barrels to 700,000 barrels per day.
The expansion project, which adds 50,000 barrels per day to the facility’s operational capacity, is scheduled for completion during the final quarter of 2025.
Dangote Group President Alhaji Aliko Dangote provided updates on the project’s progress during a media tour at the Lekki-based facility. He explained that while the refinery represents the world’s largest single-train operation, current modifications are preventing it from reaching maximum output this year.
The billionaire industrialist highlighted the performance of the Residue Fluid Catalytic Cracking unit, a critical component that converts heavy petroleum residues into valuable lighter products, including gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas, and diesel fuel.
Speaking about the current operational status, Dangote revealed: “Our RFCC is at 85 per cent. We are not up to 100 per cent because there are some modifications that we are doing. It will finish by the end of the year, and we believe we will get to 700,000 bpd, not even 650,000, because all the other components that we have and all the other departments have all reached 100 per cent. Some are even doing up to 145 per cent. So, we’ve done very well in that area.”
The refinery chief also disclosed details about crude oil procurement, indicating substantial monthly purchases to maintain operations. He noted the facility’s reliance on international suppliers for feedstock.
“As a company, we bought 10 million barrels of crude this month. So, 10 million barrels this month means that at the capacity we are, it’s about 55 per cent coming from the US,” Dangote stated.
The capacity enhancement represents a significant development for Nigeria’s petroleum sector, potentially increasing domestic refining capabilities and reducing dependence on imported refined products. The upgrades demonstrate the facility’s commitment to optimizing production efficiency while maintaining operational standards.
Once modifications are finalized, the enhanced capacity is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position in regional petroleum markets and contribute to energy security objectives.
