The Dangote Petroleum Refinery says it has reached a major operational milestone, announcing that its Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) and Motor Spirit (MS) production block are now running at full nameplate capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (bpd), a feat it claims is a global first for such integrated processing units.
The development follows scheduled maintenance on both units and the commencement of a 72-hour intensive performance testing programme conducted in collaboration with technology licensor UOP. The tests are aimed at validating operational efficiency and confirming compliance with international performance parameters.
According to a statement by the Head, Media Relations (Branding and Communication), Esan Sunday, made available to ASHENEWS on Wednesday evening, the optimisation strengthens steady-state operations at the 650,000 bpd facility — Africa’s largest oil refining complex — and reinforces readiness for sustained high-volume output.
The Chief Executive Officer, David Bird, said the integration and stabilisation of the units reflect the plant’s advanced engineering and operational discipline.
“Our teams have demonstrated exceptional precision and expertise in stabilising both the CDU and MS Block, and we are pleased to see them functioning at optimal efficiency. This performance testing phase enables us to validate the entire plant under real operating conditions,” Bird said.
He added that the CDU and MS Block — comprising the naphtha hydrotreater, isomerisation unit and reformer unit — are operating steadily at full throughput, with remaining processing units scheduled for performance test runs under Phase Two beginning next week.
The refinery disclosed that it supplied between 45 million and 50 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) daily during the recent festive period. With the restoration of the CDU and MS Block, output capacity could rise to as much as 75 million litres per day for the domestic market when required.
Bird said the milestone highlights the facility’s engineering quality and reliability and aligns with its broader objectives of strengthening Nigeria’s energy security, reducing reliance on imported refined products and positioning the country as a net exporter.
He also expressed appreciation to customers and Nigerians nationwide, reaffirming the refinery’s commitment to supporting industrial growth, job creation and economic diversification through consistent supply of refined petroleum products.
