Aliko Dangote has announced that his flagship refinery in Lagos is now operating at full capacity, positioning it as a key energy supplier across Africa.
The facility, with a processing capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is already exporting refined products to multiple regions, including West, Central, and East Africa. Around 17 cargoes of gasoline have been shipped to African markets, reflecting a strategic shift toward continental distribution.
In parallel, exports of urea fertilizer are rising rapidly, with the plant capable of producing up to 3 million metric tons annually. While previous exports largely targeted the United States and South America, a growing share is now being redirected to African countries amid increasing demand.
Despite this expansion, fuel prices in Nigeria remain at record highs. Analysts point to rising global crude oil prices as a key factor offsetting the benefits of local refining.
Dangote has suggested that sourcing crude domestically—and pricing it in local currency—could help stabilize fuel costs. Meanwhile, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company is reportedly increasing crude allocations to the refinery, signaling stronger institutional backing.
The development underscores the refinery’s growing role in regional energy security, even as Nigeria continues to grapple with domestic pricing challenges.
Source: AfricaNews
