Tinubu Backs Dangote Refinery Expansion, Describes Project as ‘Game-Changer’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged the Federal Government’s full support for the Dangote Refinery expansion project, describing it as a “game-changer” for Nigeria, West Africa, and the global energy market.

Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, gave the assurance on Monday at the 19th edition of the OTL Africa Downstream Conference and Exhibition held in Lagos.

According to him, the refinery’s expansion will not only boost Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products but also strengthen energy supply across Africa.

“When completed, the expansion will make the facility the largest refinery in the world, surpassing the Jamnagar Refinery in India,” the President said.

Speaking earlier at a press conference in Lagos, the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, confirmed that the company plans to more than double its refining capacity from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day.

“This will make it the largest refinery in the world,” Dangote said, adding that the expansion reflects “confidence in Nigeria, in Africa, and in our capacity to shape our own energy future.”

Tinubu reiterated that his administration remains committed to supporting private sector investments that promote value addition, job creation, and energy security, stressing that such projects align with his vision of a competitive and deregulated downstream sector.

Citing recent data, Lokpobiri noted that Africa imported over $120 billion worth of hydrocarbon products in 2024, highlighting the need for the continent to retain more value within its borders.

“For Nigeria, our target is to redeem a significant proportion of that value by boosting domestic refining and distribution capacity,” he said.