Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has announced that the expansion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will increase its production capacity to an impressive 1.4 million barrels per day, generating employment opportunities for up to 95,000 skilled workers during the peak of construction. Dangote made the announcement on Saturday in Lagos while being inducted as an honorary fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering. He described the expansion as a key milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing industrial transformation. The project highlights the group’s commitment to engineering excellence, sustainable economic development, and the creation of jobs in the country. In his statement, Dangote emphasized, “This award is of special significance as it acknowledges our contributions to the industry, particularly our dedication to employing engineers and skilled professionals. During peak construction, we expect approximately 95,000 skilled workers to be on-site, and we are determined to continue our expansion.” Once completed, the Dangote refinery is expected to surpass India’s Jamnagar refinery and become the world’s largest refinery. This development will drastically increase Nigeria’s refining capacity, strengthening the country’s position in the global oil industry. Dangote also noted that the project would depend on Nigerian expertise, creating vast employment opportunities for engineers, technicians, artisans, and other skilled workers. This expansion is a clear reflection of the group’s long-term vision for industrial development in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. In addition to job creation, the expanded refinery is expected to stimulate local manufacturing, encourage technology transfer, and deepen Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain. It will also boost fuel security, reduce reliance on imported petroleum products, and generate significant savings in foreign exchange for the Nigerian economy. “The magnitude of this expansion signifies our belief in the capabilities of Nigerian professionals and our confidence that Africa can create world-class infrastructure to meet global standards,” Dangote said. Prof Rahamon Bello, President of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, commended Dangote for the recognition, stating that his impact extends beyond physical infrastructure. “What makes this recognition so fitting is not just what has been built, but the inspiration it provides. Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s journey serves as a motivation for a new generation of engineers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to think boldly, act decisively, and realize the immense potential within our continent,” Bello said. Dangote’s expansion plans are set to increase the refinery’s capacity from its current 650,000 barrels per day, with the project expected to be completed in three years.
