Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt –– Africa’s biggest oil refinery is set for a massive expansion following a new agreement between Engineers India Limited, EIL, and the Dangote Group to develop Train-2, which will lift total refining capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day, bpd.
The Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, was signed by Ms. Vartika Shukla, Chairperson and Managing Director of EIL, and Mr. Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, marking one of the continent’s most ambitious downstream investments yet.
The move positions Nigeria to become a major global refining hub, with potential ripple effects on fuel imports, regional supply stability, and petrochemical markets.
In a statement, EIL described the deal as a “pivotal milestone” that reinforces its longstanding partnership with the Dangote Group and showcases India’s engineering capabilities.
According to the company, the second train will further consolidate the refinery’s standing as one of the world’s largest single-site integrated refining complexes, supported by world-class petrochemical and fertilizer units.
EIL said it will deploy its “extensive global experience, multidisciplinary capabilities and proven execution model” to support the new development phase, which is expected to deepen Nigeria’s energy security and industrial capacity.
Dangote, whose refinery has already begun phased operations, noted that the expansion aligns with the company’s long-term vision to make Nigeria self-sufficient in petroleum products while creating a strong export base.
Energy economists say the combined 1.4mbpd output could reposition West Africa’s fuel supply chain, potentially reducing import dependence for more than 15 countries across the sub-region.
The Dangote Refinery, located in the Lekki Free Zone area of Lagos, is touted as Africa’s most strategic downstream asset and one of the world’s most complex refining systems.
With Train-2 now in motion, stakeholders say the project is set to redefine Nigeria’s participation in global oil markets while attracting billions of dollars in downstream investments.
