The federal government has vowed comprehensive assistance to Dangote Petroleum Refinery in its ambition to ramp up production to 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd), a move hailed as transformative for Africa's downstream energy sector.
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources (oil), announced the commitment during his keynote welcome address at the 19th Africa Downstream Energy Week on Monday in Lagos.
Lokpobiri shared that he had received highly encouraging briefings on the refinery's aggressive expansion strategy during recent discussions with Dangote Group executives.
He described the project as "a monumental development for Africa’s energy landscape," underscoring its potential to reduce the continent's reliance on imported fuels and bolster local refining capabilities.
The Dangote Refinery, located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, is already Africa's largest single-train facility with a designed capacity of 650,000 bpd.
It commenced operations earlier this year and has progressively increased output, recently surpassing 400,000 bpd amid efforts to stabilize domestic fuel supply.
Achieving the targeted 1.4 million bpd—more than double its initial design—would position it as a global refining powerhouse, potentially exporting refined products across West Africa and beyond.
Government support, as pledged by Lokpobiri, is expected to include streamlined regulatory approvals, fiscal incentives, and enhanced security for crude oil supply lines.
This aligns with President Bola Tinubu's administration's broader push for energy self-sufficiency and private-sector-led industrialization.
The Africa Downstream Energy Week, a premier annual gathering of industry stakeholders, policymakers, and investors, runs through Thursday and features sessions on refining innovations, sustainable fuels, and regional market integration.
Lokpobiri's remarks set an optimistic tone, with attendees praising the synergy between federal initiatives and private investments like Dangote's.
Dangote Group, in response, expressed gratitude for the partnership, noting that the refinery's success hinges on collaborative efforts to overcome logistical and infrastructural hurdles.
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