By Dickson Pat
Billionaire businessman and Chairman of Geregu Power Plc, Femi Otedola, has lauded the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, for unveiling plans to expand the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s capacity from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.4 million bpd, describing the move as a transformative investment that will empower generations of Nigerians and Africans.
Otedola, in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, commended Dangote’s vision and commitment to industrial growth, noting that the refinery’s expansion represents more than an individual achievement but a legacy that will define Africa’s economic future.
“My brother and Africa’s pride, Aliko Dangote, addressed a world press conference in Lagos where he unveiled the expansion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to 1.4 million barrels per day from 650,000 barrels per day”, Otedola wrote.
“This makes it the largest refinery ever built in the world. The announcement also included increased polypropylene output from 900,000 to 2.4 million metric tonnes annually, alongside new capacities in linear alkylbenzene and base oils”.
He described the project as a “monumental legacy investment” that would not only transform Nigeria’s energy landscape but also stimulate regional industrialization, create jobs, and strengthen the nation’s quest for self-sufficiency in petroleum products.
“Aliko’s relentless commitment to investing in Nigeria and Africa will outlive him as these are legacy investments that will define generations”, Otedola said, expressing optimism that ordinary Nigerians would eventually share in the ownership of the refinery. “Soon, Nigerians will own part of this refinery, a powerful reminder that this vision is not just for Dangote, but for all Nigerians and Africans”.
Dangote had earlier announced the expansion plan during a world press conference in Lagos, stating that the decision was driven by growing regional demand for cleaner fuels, emerging market opportunities across Africa, and a favourable domestic policy environment that supports local refining.
According to the industrialist, the expansion will not only consolidate Nigeria’s position as a refining hub in Africa but also reduce the continent’s dependence on imported fuels, in line with the Federal Government’s energy security objectives.
Otedola also extended appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s support for the private sector, which he said has been instrumental in driving the Renewed Hope agenda aimed at strengthening local production and industrial growth.
“We thank President Bola Tinubu for his continued encouragement as the private sector drives forward the Renewed Hope mandate to build a stronger, self-reliant Nigeria”, Otedola added.
The Dangote Refinery, located in the Lekki Free Zone, Lagos, is the largest single-train refinery in the world. It is expected to meet Nigeria’s domestic fuel demand and export refined products to regional markets when operating at full capacity.
With the proposed expansion, analysts say the facility could redefine the continent’s energy and industrial map, turning Nigeria into a major refining and petrochemical powerhouse capable of serving Africa’s growing fuel needs for decades to come.
