Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, announced plans to expand the production capacity of the Dangote Refinery to 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd), a move expected to create up to 95,000 skilled jobs at the height of construction.
This revelation came during his induction as an Honorary Fellow by the Nigerian Academy of Engineering in Lagos over the weekend, where he described the project as a pivotal step toward advancing Nigeria’s industrialisation goals.
He highlighted that the expansion underscores the Group’s unwavering commitment to engineering excellence, workforce development, and long-term economic growth. He noted that this recognises their dedication to building opportunities for skilled professionals and engineers across the sector.
At its peak, the construction site is projected to host around 95,000 skilled workers, with workforce numbers continuing to grow as the project evolves. Once complete, the upgraded refinery is expected to surpass India’s Jamnagar Refinery, positioning itself as the largest refining complex globally.
This monumental achievement would significantly increase Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity and reduce dependency on imported petroleum products.
The group emphasised that Nigerian expertise will play a central role in driving the project forward, opening countless opportunities for engineers, artisans, technicians, and other professionals. The expansion fits seamlessly into the Group’s vision of spearheading industrial development throughout Nigeria and Africa.
Beyond job creation, the project aims to enhance local manufacturing capabilities, foster technology transfer, and deepen Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain. Additionally, it is forecasted to enhance energy security while yielding significant foreign exchange savings for the nation.
Dangote expressed his confidence in Nigeria’s ability to deliver world-class infrastructure that meets international standards. He underscored that this expansion reflects not only belief in local capacity but also a broader African ambition to lead in global-scale developments.
Rahamon Bello, President of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, applauded Dangote’s achievements while honoring him. He remarked that this distinction is a testament to his far-reaching contributions beyond infrastructure.
Bello added that Dangote’s efforts inspire a new generation of engineers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to pursue bold ideas and take decisive action.
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