Upon completion of its expansion to 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd), the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals in Lagos will become the largest oil refinery in the world, surpassing India’s Jamnagar Refinery, which currently holds the top spot at around 1.24 million bpd Business Insider Africa The Guardian Nigeria News.
At a press conference in Lagos on Sunday, October 26, 2025, the Dangote Group announced the expansion of its flagship Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals complex from its current 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) capacity to an unprecedented 1.4 million bpd. The development positions Nigeria not only as Africa’s refining hub but also as the host of the largest refinery in the world.
Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, confirmed that construction work on the expansion will begin immediately, with the project expected to generate 65,000 jobs and significantly boost Nigeria’s industrial base. The refinery, already the largest in Africa, will now surpass India’s Jamnagar Refinery, previously the world’s biggest, which processes about 1.24 million bpd.
The expansion is designed to meet Euro VI fuel standards, ensuring cleaner energy production and aligning with global environmental benchmarks. It will also enhance petrochemical output, supporting Nigeria’s ambition to reduce reliance on imported refined products and strengthen its role in global energy markets.
Industry analysts note that the refinery’s scale will have far-reaching implications:
- Energy Security: Nigeria, despite being Africa’s top crude producer, has long depended on fuel imports due to underperforming state-owned refineries. The Dangote expansion could reverse this trend.
- Economic Impact: The project is projected to generate $55 billion in annual revenue, bolstering Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves and industrial growth.
- Regional Influence: With surplus refining capacity, Nigeria is expected to become a major exporter of refined petroleum products across Africa and beyond.
The announcement comes at a time when global oil markets are grappling with volatility and a push toward cleaner energy. By combining massive scale with advanced refining technology, the Dangote Refinery is being positioned as a strategic global player in both traditional fuels and petrochemicals.
For Nigeria, the expansion represents not just an industrial milestone but also a symbol of economic ambition — a project that could redefine the country’s place in the global energy landscape.
Dangote-Refinery-picture-by-Nnamdi-Micheal-OBI-IJEH
Sources: Dangote Industries Press Release; Business Insider Africa; The Guardian Nigeria; NewsWireNGR; InvestAdvocate Business Insider AfricaThe Guardian Nigeria NewsNewsWireNGRinvestadvocateng.com
