Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote announced plans to double the capacity of the Lagos-based Dangote Refinery from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million within three years, making it the largest refinery in the world.
The expansion, unveiled on October 26, 2025, is expected to significantly enhance Nigeria’s energy security and reduce Africa’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
Dangote said the $19 billion facility will help position Nigeria as a leading global fuel supplier, overtaking India’s Jamnagar refinery.
Once completed, it will produce 2.4 million metric tons of polypropylene annually, upgrade to Euro VI fuel standards, and generate 1,000 megawatts of power.
The project is projected to contribute up to 3% to Nigeria’s GDP and generate $55 billion in revenue.
“This expansion will make it the largest refinery in the world ever,” Dangote said. “With this expansion, we will require over 65,000 workers.”
The refinery is central to President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda to end fuel import dependency, support industrial growth, and ensure energy efficiency across Africa.
It is also credited with helping avert a foreign exchange crisis by reducing dollar demand for fuel imports.
Dangote also revealed plans to list the refinery on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, encouraging local investment in the transformative project.
The move is seen as a milestone toward making Nigeria a net exporter of refined petroleum, strengthening its global energy influence and driving regional economic integration.
