Dangote Refinery Reaches Full Production Capacity

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has recorded a major operational milestone, with its Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) and Motor Spirit (MS) production block now running at full nameplate capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. This marks a significant achievement in large-scale refinery operations.

The company announced that the feat followed the successful completion of scheduled maintenance and optimisation on the key processing units. A 72-hour performance test is currently underway in collaboration with technology partner UOP to confirm efficiency levels and ensure compliance with global operational standards.

Chief Executive Officer David Bird described the development as a demonstration of the refinery’s technical capability and disciplined execution. He noted that the testing phase is designed to validate performance across the facility under real operating conditions and to ensure stable, high-quality output.

The CDU and MS block—comprising the naphtha hydrotreater, isomerisation unit, and reformer—are now functioning consistently at maximum capacity. Additional processing units are expected to undergo performance testing in the next phase of commissioning.

With the increased throughput, the refinery is projected to supply up to 75 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) daily to Nigeria’s domestic market, significantly higher than the 45–50 million litres distributed during the recent holiday season.

Management said the expanded production will support Nigeria’s energy security goals by reducing dependence on imported petroleum products while strengthening the country’s position as a potential exporter of refined fuels. The company also reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to industrial growth and broader economic development.