President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has announced that the planned expansion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to a capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day is expected to generate about 95,000 skilled jobs at peak construction.
Dangote made the disclosure in Lagos over the weekend during his induction as an honorary fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, describing the project as a major milestone in Nigeria’s industrial development.
He said the expansion reflects the group’s commitment to engineering excellence, job creation, and sustainable economic growth, adding that the scale of the project will rely heavily on Nigerian engineers, technicians, and artisans.
“At the peak of construction for this expansion, we expect about 95,000 skilled workers on site,” he said.
Upon completion, the expanded facility is expected to surpass the Jamnagar refinery in India, becoming the largest refinery in the world. The project currently operates at about 650,000 barrels per day and is expected to scale up over the next three years.
Dangote noted that the expansion will strengthen Nigeria’s refining capacity, reduce reliance on imported petroleum products, and improve energy security. He also said it will stimulate local manufacturing, enhance technology transfer, and deepen the country’s oil and gas value chain.
According to him, the initiative reflects confidence in Nigeria’s industrial potential and Africa’s ability to deliver world-class infrastructure.
In his remarks, President of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Rahamon Bello, described Dangote’s recognition as well deserved, noting that his work continues to inspire engineers and entrepreneurs across the continent.
He said Dangote’s projects go beyond physical infrastructure, adding that they demonstrate what is possible through vision, innovation, and large-scale investment in local capacity.
