Oluwafunbi Bello 
LAGOS, Nigeria – Economic and energy experts have welcomed the Dangote Refinery’s plan to expand its capacity from 650,000 to 1.4 million barrels per day, describing the move as a defining step toward Nigeria’s energy sufficiency and long-term industrial growth.
The expansion was announced by the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on Sunday, November 9, 2025.
According to analysts, the refinery’s increased output will significantly reduce the country’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products, ease foreign exchange pressure, and potentially lower fuel costs for consumers.
The CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, called the development “a landmark moment.”
“This expansion signifies confidence in Nigeria’s economy and will position the country as a refining hub for Africa,” he said. “It also preserves foreign reserves by cutting back on fuel imports.”
Energy law expert, Dr. Ayodele Oni, described the transition as a “transformative industrial venture” with the capacity to boost local content, accelerate job creation, and improve Nigeria’s competitive standing in global energy markets. However, he warned regulators to guard against monopolistic pricing.
President of the Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Boniface Okezie, urged the company to prioritise domestic supply before exports.
“Charity begins at home. Nigerians must feel the impact of this investment directly,” he said.
Dangote reiterated that the expansion forms part of a continental strategy to strengthen Africa’s refining infrastructure.
“This project will make our refinery the largest globally and reinforce Nigeria’s role as a key energy exporter,” he said.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Mirian Gom 
Hussaini Ibrahim