Aliko Dangote has announced that the expansion of the Dangote Refinery to 1.4 million barrels per day will generate about 95,000 skilled jobs at peak construction. He shared this in Lagos during his induction as an Honorary Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering.
He said the project reflects a strong push for industrial transformation in Nigeria. It also highlights long-term investment in engineering excellence, job creation, and sustainable growth across Africa’s energy sector.
At full scale, the refinery expansion is expected to surpass India’s Jamnagar Refinery and become the largest in the world. This milestone will significantly increase Nigeria’s refining capacity and reduce reliance on imported fuel.
Dangote stressed that Nigerian engineers, technicians, and artisans will play a central role in delivering the project. He explained that the expansion is designed to deepen local expertise while building world-class industrial infrastructure within Africa.
The project is also expected to boost local manufacturing and strengthen technology transfer across the oil and gas value chain. In addition, it will improve fuel security and reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves through lower import dependency.
He noted that the expansion reflects confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to deliver large-scale industrial projects. It also signals a broader belief that Africa can compete globally in heavy infrastructure development.
Prof. Rahamon Bello, president of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, described the recognition as well deserved. He said Dangote’s impact goes beyond physical infrastructure and continues to inspire engineers and entrepreneurs across the continent.
