The President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has announced that the expansion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to a capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day will generate employment for about 95,000 skilled workers at peak construction.
Dangote made the disclosure in Lagos during his induction as an honorary fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, describing the project as a major milestone in Nigeria’s industrial transformation.
He said the expansion reflects the group’s commitment to engineering excellence, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.
At the peak of construction, Dangote noted that about 95,000 skilled workers would be engaged on site.
Upon completion, he said the refinery is expected to surpass India’s Jamnagar refinery to become the largest in the world, significantly boosting Nigeria’s refining capacity.
He added that the project would rely heavily on Nigerian expertise, creating opportunities for engineers, technicians, artisans, and other skilled professionals, while also supporting broader industrialisation goals.
According to him, the expansion will stimulate local manufacturing, enhance technology transfer, and strengthen Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain.
It is also expected to improve fuel security, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, and save foreign exchange for the country.
The President of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Prof Rahamon Bello, described the recognition as well deserved, noting that Dangote’s impact extends beyond infrastructure to inspiration for a new generation of engineers and entrepreneurs.
Dangote said the refinery’s capacity will rise from the current 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day within the next three years.
