Precious Anga
Lagos — Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery is positioning itself to become one of the world’s leading suppliers of aviation fuel, as the company ramps up exports and unveils plans to more than double its refining capacity over the next few years.
The refinery’s Chief Executive Officer, David Bird, said the 650,000 barrels-per-day facility currently produces more jet fuel than the African market can absorb, creating significant opportunities to supply international markets. Speaking at the S&P Global Energy Middle East Petroleum and Gas Conference in London, Bird noted that the refinery has already established itself as a reliable supplier capable of competing globally.
“We’re very grateful to be seen as a reliable, high-quality and dependable supplier able to land our product competitively all over the world,” Bird said.
The development comes as global fuel markets continue to adjust to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly concerns surrounding oil and fuel shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. These disruptions have opened opportunities for refiners outside the Gulf region to expand their presence in international markets.
With aviation fuel demand across Africa remaining relatively modest compared to Europe, Asia and North America, Dangote Refinery has increasingly focused on export markets. Industry analysts believe the refinery’s strategic location, modern infrastructure and growing production capacity could strengthen Nigeria’s role in the global refined products trade.
To support its ambitions, Dangote Refinery plans to add another 700,000 barrels per day of refining capacity by the end of 2028. According to Bird, the company has already secured long-lead equipment and commenced the process of awarding construction contracts for the expansion project.
The proposed addition would lift the group’s total refining capacity to approximately 1.35 million barrels per day, making it one of the largest refining complexes in the world. Bird also disclosed that the company is evaluating the possibility of building an additional refinery in East Africa as part of its long-term growth strategy.
The expansion follows a period of rapid growth for the Lagos-based refinery, which has steadily increased production of petrol, diesel, aviation fuel and other refined products since commencing operations. In April 2026, the facility emerged as the world’s largest exporter of jet fuel, supported by rising output levels and favourable market conditions.
Industry observers say the refinery’s growing export footprint could help Nigeria earn more foreign exchange while reducing Africa’s dependence on imported petroleum products. The development is also expected to strengthen energy security across the continent by providing an alternative supply source outside traditional refining hubs.
For Nigeria, the refinery’s global ambitions represent more than just a commercial milestone. They signal the country’s gradual emergence as a major refining and petroleum products export hub, leveraging its vast crude oil resources to capture greater value across the energy supply chain.
If the planned expansion is delivered on schedule, Dangote Refinery could become one of the most influential players in the global jet fuel market, reshaping fuel trade flows and reinforcing Nigeria’s position in the international energy landscape.
