Dangote Refinery expansion to add 95,000 jobs at peak

Africa’s richest man and Dangote Group President, Aliko Dangote, says the expansion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to 1.4 million barrels per day will employ about 95,000 skilled workers at peak construction, marking a major scale-up of Nigeria’s largest industrial project. 

The announcement was made in Lagos on Saturday during his induction as an honorary fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, where he said the project reflects the group’s focus on industrial development, engineering capacity, and long-term job creation.

Large workforce planned for expansion phase 

Dangote said the expansion phase will require a significant on-site workforce made up of engineers, technicians, artisans, and other skilled professionals. 

“At the peak of construction for this expansion, we expect to have about 95,000 skilled workers on site, and we will continue to grow,” he said. 

He added that the project is designed to rely heavily on Nigerian expertise, creating room for local professionals to take leading roles in execution and operations.

Dangote Refinery nears global capacity record milestone

Once completed, the expanded facility is expected to surpass India’s Jamnagar refinery and become the largest single-train refinery in the world. 

The refinery, located in the Ibeju-Lekki Free Zone in Lagos, currently has an installed capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. The planned expansion will more than double its output over the next three years. 

Built at an estimated cost of about $22 billion, with some estimates placing total investment closer to $20 billion, the refinery began operations in 2023 and reached full output in early 2026. Dangote Industries Limited holds a 92.3% stake valued at $18.68 billion, while the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited owns 7.25%.

Economic impact and local value chain 

According to the company, the expansion is expected to support local manufacturing, strengthen the oil and gas value chain, and improve fuel availability in Nigeria. 

It is also projected to reduce reliance on imported refined petroleum products and ease pressure on foreign exchange demand. 

Dangote said the project reflects confidence in Nigeria’s industrial base and the broader capacity of African economies to execute large-scale infrastructure.

Bello says Dangote recognition deserved

The President of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Prof. Rahamon Bello, said the recognition of Dangote was well deserved, noting that his projects have continued to influence engineering practice and entrepreneurship in the country. 

“What makes this recognition fitting is not only what has been built but also what has been inspired,” he said. 

He added that Dangote’s work continues to encourage younger professionals to pursue careers in engineering and innovation. 

Dangote, whose net worth is estimated at $33.6 billion, continues to lead one of Africa’s most ambitious private industrial expansion programs across energy, cement, and manufacturing sectors.