Dangote Refinery Expansion to 1.4m bpd to Create 95,000 Jobs at Peak — Aliko Dangote

Dangote Refinery Expansion to 1.4m bpd to Create 95,000 Jobs at Peak — Aliko Dangote

LAGOS, NIGERIA — President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has disclosed that the planned expansion of the Dangote Refinery to a production capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd) will create up to 95,000 jobs for skilled workers at the peak of construction.

Dangote made the announcement in Lagos during his induction as an Honorary Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, describing the refinery expansion as a defining milestone in Nigeria’s industrialisation drive.

He said the scale of the project reflects the Group’s sustained commitment to engineering excellence, local capacity development, and economic growth, noting that thousands of engineers, technicians, and artisans would be engaged throughout the construction phase.

“This recognition is significant because it aligns with our focus on building local expertise. At peak construction, we anticipate about 95,000 skilled workers on-site, and that number will continue to grow as the project progresses,” Dangote stated.

Upon completion, the expanded facility is projected to surpass the Jamnagar Refinery in India, positioning it as the largest refinery globally and significantly boosting Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity.

Dangote emphasized that the expansion would be largely driven by Nigerian professionals, reinforcing the Group’s long-term vision of fostering indigenous expertise while accelerating industrial development across Africa.

Beyond job creation, the project is expected to catalyse growth in local manufacturing, facilitate technology transfer, and deepen the country’s oil and gas value chain. It is also anticipated to enhance fuel security, reduce reliance on imported petroleum products, and conserve foreign exchange.

“The magnitude of this expansion underscores our confidence in Nigeria’s capabilities and Africa’s potential to deliver world-class infrastructure that meets global standards,” he added.

In his remarks, President of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Rahamon Bello, described Dangote’s recognition as well deserved, noting that his contributions extend beyond infrastructure to inspiring innovation and entrepreneurship.

“What makes this honour truly fitting is not just the structures that have been built, but the vision they represent. Dangote’s journey continues to inspire a new generation to think boldly and harness the immense opportunities within Africa,” Bello said.