Aliko Dangote, the richest man in Africa, has confirmed that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos is undergoing modifications to increase its nameplate capacity from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 700,000bpd.
Dangote clarified during a tour of the Lekki facility that the refinery’s current capacity to run at full capacity has been restricted by the upgrade, which is anticipated to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025. He did, however, convey his confidence that the improvements would increase output above and beyond initial estimates.
“Our RFCC [Residue Fluid Catalytic Cracking unit] is at 85 per cent. We’re not at 100 per cent because of ongoing modifications. Once completed, we expect to hit 700,000bpd”. According to Dangote, some other units are even operating at 145% capacity. The RFCC unit is essential to the refinery’s operation because it transforms heavy crude into lighter, more valuable products like gasoline and diesel.
Dangote revealed that between June and July, the refinery bought 19 million barrels of crude oil from the US, meaning that now, 55% of its feedstock requirements are met by US imports. “We purchased 10 million barrels from the United States just this month,” he disclosed.
Looking back on the $20 billion journey of the refinery, Dangote recalled that in 2007, former President Umaru Yar’Adua blocked his attempt to purchase Nigeria’s state-owned refineries, which ultimately prompted him to start construction on Africa’s largest single-train refinery.
“Building a refinery is not like building a house. If I had known the challenges ahead, I probably wouldn’t have started. He added, “But we pushed through, and we’re proud of what we’ve achieved”
In his open discussion of the global energy politics, he also pointed out that, aside from Algeria and Libya, many African nations continue to rely on imported fuels, which makes the refinery project even more important.
Citing the concentration of fuel tankers at ports such as Lome, Dangote charged that certain foreign entities were strategically importing goods into Africa in order to undermine African industries. This is their method of attacking our industries.
There is just one refinery left in operation, even in South Africa. “We took the risk, and we’re delivering,” he said.
When the refinery is finished, it should greatly lessen Nigeria’s reliance on petroleum imports and improve energy security throughout the continent.
