The Dangote Refinery, located in the Lekki Free Zone near Lagos, is one of the most ambitious industrial projects ever undertaken in Africa. Launched by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, this oil complex aims to radically transform the hydrocarbon industry in Nigeria and the continent. With a processing capacity of 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, the Dangote Refinery is the largest single-train refining unit in the world.
The main challenge of this project is to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products. As Africa’s leading crude oil producer, Nigeria paradoxically imports almost all of its fuels due to the dilapidated or inactive state of its public refineries. This weighs heavily on its trade balance and exposes the country to fluctuations in international markets. With the Dangote refinery, the goal is to meet local demand, export to other African countries, and strengthen the country’s energy autonomy.
The industrial complex is not limited to refining. It also includes a petrochemical unit capable of producing polypropylene and polyethylene, fertilizers, and other derivative products. The project also includes a marine terminal and an oil pipeline, ensuring integrated logistics from crude oil supply to the distribution of finished products.
The total cost of the investment is estimated at over $19 billion. It was financed largely by Dangote Group’s own funds, supplemented by loans from local and international banks. Its construction mobilized tens of thousands of workers and partner companies from around the world.
The refinery was inaugurated in 2023, after several postponements due to the complexity of the work and logistical constraints. It now represents a major lever for direct and indirect job creation and is expected to ultimately generate billions of dollars in revenue for the Nigerian economy.
However, challenges remain: ensuring a steady supply of crude oil, controlling operating costs, and ensuring high environmental standards in the context of a global energy transition. The Dangote refinery symbolizes both Africa’s industrial audacity and the tensions surrounding the exploitation of fossil resources in the climate era.
