…Workforce to hit 65,000

By Adewale Sanyaolu

The Dangote Petrochemical and Refining Company Limited has announced plans to increase its daily refining capacity from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.4 million bpd, making it the largest refinery in the world and surpassing the Jamnagar Refinery in India.

President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, stated this at a news conference to disclose plans on the refinery expansion.

With this expansion, he said the refinery will transition from producing  Euro V  to Euro VI fuel standards, meeting the highest global environmental benchmarks.

According to Dangote, the expansion reflects confidence in Nigeria’s future, belief in Africa’s potential, and the commitment to building energy independence for our continent and the world.

He added that it also is about confidence in Nigeria, in Africa, and in its capacity to shape our own energy future.

Dangote expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Federal Government for its continued support and commitment to Nigeria’s industrial growth.

He further thanked the President for also enacting polices that support industrialisation, such as; Nigeria’s First Policy,  Naira-for-Crude Policy and One-Stop Shop, Bringing great revolution to the downstream sector that has emboldened the group to make this major step.

He added that the Federal Government was instrumental in mediating recent disruptions at the refinery linked to union activities and sabotage attempts.

He explained that tt is the dream of President Bola Tinubu, for Nigeria to emerge as one of the major suppliers of petroleum products in the world, stressing that with his strong backing through previously stated policies, the company is taking on the challenge to make this happen.

“With this expansion, we would require 65,000 workers during construction such a project will further unlock opportunities for local industries

We also will be expanding of our Polypropylene production from 900,000 metric tonne to 2.4 mm metric tonne per annum this will further enrich the production of linear alkylbenzene a key ingredient for the production of detergent, and additional production of base oils,’’.

On future plans, he added that in the next year, it plans to list 10 per cent of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical complex shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange — a step toward broader ownership and market transparency.

“Therefore we call on all Nigerians to seize this window, to benefit from this golden opportunity. Our long-term goal remains clear: to build Africa’s leading integrated energy and petrochemical hub the first of its kind on the continent.’’

On product availability during the ember months, Dangote assured Nigerians that the Dangote Refinery is fully committed to maintaining an uninterrupted supply of petrol throughout the festive period.

“Our goal is to ensure consistent product flow at stable prices, eliminating the disruptions and exploitation that have become common during the ember months.  For the first time in many years, Nigerians can look forward to a festive season free of fuel anxiety.”