Nigeria's Dangote Refinery began constructing a second crude processing unit, adding 700,000 barrels per day (bpd) to its capacity. This expansion will increase the complex's total refining capacity to roughly 1.4 million bpd by the end of 2028. This move positions the facility to become one of the world's largest refining sites.
Construction is already underway at the Lekki site outside Lagos, according to Dangote Petroleum Refinery CEO David Bird. The new unit, expected to be online by late 2028, significantly expands the refinery's operational scale. This development follows earlier announcements about the company's ambitious expansion plans.
This significant capacity increase supports Nigeria's recent transformation into a net gasoline exporter. The existing 650,000-bpd refinery has already played a crucial role in global fuel markets. It has shipped large volumes of jet fuel to Europe amid ongoing supply disruptions.
The refinery's growing influence became particularly evident during the Middle East supply crisis. While other nations faced fuel shortages, Nigeria remained insulated due to its increased domestic refining capacity. Dangote was exporting approximately 100,000 bpd of jet fuel at one point this spring, with Europe absorbing about half of these volumes.
David Bird, CEO of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, stated the company plans to expand its trading business alongside this refinery buildout. This strategy aims to further enhance Dangote's presence in international fuel markets. The group is also exploring plans for a second refinery in East Africa, potentially in Kenya.
If both the Nigerian expansion and the East African project proceed, Dangote's total processing capacity could approach 2 million bpd. This would place the company among the world's largest refining players. Such an achievement would evolve Dangote from a solution to Nigeria's fuel import challenges into a major global petroleum trade force. This expansion strengthens Nigeria's energy independence and its role in global energy security.