LONDON, June 3 – Dangote Refinery is preparing a significant expansion of its operations, with plans to add 700,000 barrels per day of additional refining capacity by 2028 as it seeks to strengthen its role in global energy markets.
The expansion was disclosed by the refinery’s Chief Executive Officer, David Bird at the S&P Global Energy Middle East Petroleum and Gas Conference in London, who said the company is moving ahead with investments aimed at substantially increasing output over the coming years.
According to Bird, the project will bring a further 700,000 barrels per day of fully integrated refining capacity online before the end of 2028, building on the refinery’s existing operations in Nigeria.
“We will bring 700,000 barrels per day of fully complex refining capacity on stream by the end of 2028,” Bird disclosed while outlining the company’s expansion plans.
The facility currently processes approximately 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, making it the largest refinery in Africa and one of the largest single-train refining complexes globally.
Bird noted that key equipment required for the expansion has already been procured, while the company is progressing with the awarding of major construction contracts.
The planned investment comes at a time when global fuel markets are undergoing significant shifts.
Disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and concerns surrounding shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz have increased demand for alternative suppliers of refined petroleum products, creating opportunities for producers outside the Gulf region.
The refinery has emerged as an increasingly important exporter of refined fuels, particularly aviation fuel, supplying markets across Africa, Europe and other international destinations.
According to Bird, relatively low aviation fuel demand within Africa itself creates additional room for exports, allowing the refinery to target international customers seeking reliable and competitively priced supplies.
He said the company has built a reputation as a dependable supplier capable of delivering high-quality products to markets around the world.
The expansion forms part of a broader long-term strategy to transform the refinery into one of the world’s leading refining and trading hubs.
Management indicated that total refining capacity could eventually reach approximately 2.1 million barrels per day if future development plans are fully implemented.
The company is also evaluating opportunities beyond Nigeria, including the potential development of an additional refinery in East Africa as part of its regional growth ambitions.
The planned capacity increase is expected to strengthen Africa’s refining infrastructure, reduce dependence on imported refined products and enhance the continent’s participation in global energy trade.
As production expands, Dangote Refinery is positioning itself not only as a major African industrial asset but also as an increasingly influential participant in international crude oil and refined products markets.
