The Dangote Petrochemical Refinery, a cornerstone of Nigeria’s refining ambitions, is poised for a significant capacity expansion by December 2025. According to Argus Media, the refinery’s nameplate capacity is projected to reach 700,000 barrels per day (bpd), a 50,000 bpd increase from its current 650,000 bpd capacity. This expansion, driven by ongoing operational optimization and phased expansion plans, signifies a substantial leap forward for Nigeria’s domestic refining capabilities and its pursuit of energy independence. The news underscores the refinery’s rapid progress and its potential to reshape Nigeria’s energy landscape.
Edwin Devakumar, Group Executive Director of Dangote Industries Limited, confirmed the expansion plans, attributing the upgrade to enhanced crude processing efficiency and higher-than-anticipated output since the refinery’s commencement of operations earlier in 2024. He emphasized that several refinery units have already surpassed their designed capacities, necessitating de-bottlenecking to unlock the full production potential of the facility. This proactive approach to optimization reflects the refinery’s commitment to maximizing output and contributing significantly to Nigeria’s fuel supply.
The refinery’s impressive performance since its inception has positioned it as a key player in Nigeria’s energy sector. Data from Kpler reveals that the refinery’s crude receipts reached 644,000 bpd in July 2025, indicating a strong likelihood of surpassing the June record of 445,000 bpd. This consistent increase in production demonstrates the refinery’s growing operational efficiency and its ability to consistently meet, and even exceed, its production targets. The commencement of gasoline sales in September further solidifies the refinery’s role in stabilizing and bolstering Nigeria’s domestic fuel market.
Devakumar provided specific performance data for several key refinery units, highlighting their exceptional output. The mild hydrocracker has exceeded its nameplate capacity by 20%, while the RFCC gasoline desulphurisation unit boasts a 25% capacity surplus. Similarly, the continuous catalytic regeneration unit operates at 106% of its designed capacity, the Penex process at 140%, and the naphtha hydrotreater at an impressive 143%. These figures showcase the refinery’s advanced technology and efficient operational practices, contributing to its overall high performance and its capacity for growth.
The increased production capacity is expected to have a profound impact on both domestic fuel availability and Nigeria’s potential as a refined product exporter. The Dangote Group President, Aliko Dangote, announced that the refinery has already exported approximately 1.35 billion litres of petrol in a 50-day period between June and July 2025, equivalent to 1 million tonnes. This export volume demonstrates the refinery’s immediate contribution to international markets and its potential to position Nigeria as a significant player in the global refined petroleum trade.
The Dangote Refinery’s expansion to 700,000 bpd represents a significant step towards Nigeria’s energy independence. The increased production capacity will not only bolster domestic fuel supply and stabilize prices but also generate valuable export revenue. This development marks a turning point in Nigeria’s refining sector, transforming the nation from a net importer of refined petroleum products to a potential exporter, while stimulating economic growth and creating employment opportunities. The refinery’s consistent outperformance of its initial targets suggests a bright future for Nigeria’s energy security and its role in the international energy market. This success underscores the importance of strategic investment in infrastructure and the potential for transformative projects to reshape national economies.
