Dangote Refinery says the era of fuel scarcity in Nigeria has effectively ended alongside the removal of petrol subsidy, as increased domestic refining capacity continues to stabilise supply and prices.
The refinery reaffirmed its commitment to supplying Nigerians with premium-quality petrol (PMS) that meets global standards, in line with its vision of guaranteeing long-term energy security for Nigeria and the wider African continent.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Refinery, Mr David Bird, said the facility’s advanced design and operational flexibility allow it to sustain high output, even during routine maintenance.
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“Dangote Refinery delivers world-class fuels that meet Euro V specifications to the Nigerian market, marking a clear break from the era of substandard imports,” Bird said. “The fact that we can export petrol to Europe and jet fuel to the Middle East speaks directly to the quality and global competitiveness of our products.”
According to him, the refinery’s scale, efficiency and product quality place it in a strong position to compete globally, while still prioritising Nigeria’s domestic fuel needs.
“This investment fundamentally transforms Nigeria’s energy, industrial and economic landscape,” he added.
Bird disclosed that the refinery operates a 24-hour loading system with the capacity to evacuate more than 1,000 trucks daily, ensuring uninterrupted nationwide distribution. He said daily offtake has, at times, exceeded 52 million litres, reflecting strong market demand and improved logistics efficiency.
Despite volatility in global oil markets, Bird noted that Nigeria has been largely shielded from extreme price shocks due to rising domestic refining capacity. He said this has helped maintain relatively stable pump prices, even after subsidy removal.
He also described the crude-for-naira arrangement as a strategic intervention that conserves foreign exchange and supports naira stability.
Looking ahead, Bird revealed plans for a major expansion within the next three years, alongside further investments in petrochemicals, including polypropylene, base oils and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). He also confirmed that preparations are underway to list a portion of the refinery on the Nigerian Exchange, allowing Nigerians to participate directly in its ownership.
Describing the project as “continent-building,” Bird said the refinery is already reshaping Nigeria’s industrial future.
“It’s no exaggeration to say this is a continent-building project. I arrived in August and stand on the shoulders of giants who achieved incredible milestones to transform this part of Lagos into what has the potential to become a world-scale industrial hub,” he said.
Bird added that the refinery is currently focused on stabilisation and ramping up capacity, noting that it delivered more than 50 million litres of products per day in the second half of 2025, occasionally surpassing 52 million litres.
He attributed the performance to the refinery’s unique design and the strategic foresight of Dangote Group founder, Aliko Dangote.
“We are not just a traditional refinery. Thanks to Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s vision, we operate as a complete merchant refining, blending and trading platform. Our feedstock is 100 per cent seaborne, giving us the flexibility to process a wide range of Nigerian and alternative crude grades,” Bird said.
