— Aliko Dangote Confirms Major Capacity Boost Amid Ongoing Modifications
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki, Lagos, is undergoing a strategic upgrade aimed at increasing its nameplate refining capacity from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to a groundbreaking 700,000 bpd — a move that cements its position as Africa’s energy game-changer.
During a recent facility tour, President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, revealed that while the refinery may not reach full capacity operation this year due to ongoing enhancements, the completion of key upgrades by Q4 2025 will unlock a new level of performance.
“Our Residue Fluid Catalytic Cracking unit is currently at 85% capacity,” Dangote told journalists and special guests during the walkthrough. “We’re not at 100% yet because of some modifications, but these will wrap up by the end of the year. We expect to not just reach 650,000 barrels per day — we are targeting 700,000 bpd.”
The RFCC unit plays a crucial role in converting heavy residual oils into lighter, high-value fuels like gasoline, LPG, and diesel — essential products for Nigeria’s economy and beyond. According to Dangote, while the RFCC is still being fine-tuned, several other departments within the refinery are already operating above full capacity, with some hitting an impressive 145%.
In a bold statement reflecting the refinery’s growing global integration, Dangote disclosed that the company secured 10 million barrels of crude in July alone, with over half of that — 55% — sourced from the United States.
This expansion not only reinforces the refinery’s status as the world’s largest single-train facility but also signals a robust drive toward energy self-sufficiency and industrial transformation for Nigeria.
As 2025 progresses, all eyes remain on Lekki, where Dangote’s energy behemoth inches closer to reshaping Africa’s refining narrative — one barrel at a time.
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