Dangote Refinery has announced plans to begin local production of surfactants, a key raw material used in detergent manufacturing across Nigeria and West Africa.
The development marks another strategic expansion by Africa’s largest refinery as it pushes deeper into industrial chemicals and import substitution.
Surfactants play a critical role in detergent production. They create the foaming action used in household cleaning, laundry, and personal hygiene products. At present, detergent manufacturers in the region rely heavily on imported inputs to meet demand.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Dangote Refinery Chief Executive Officer, David Bird, said the company is close to finalising arrangements to install a Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) plant, which produces surfactants.
According to David Bird, the refinery has held extensive discussions with a technology licenser and expects to conclude commercial terms soon. Once completed, the LAB plant will supply surfactants for detergent manufacturers operating in Nigeria and the wider West African market.
“We are about to finalise the commercial terms for installing a Linear Alkyl Benzene plant,” he said. “This is the surfactant. It is what creates the bubbles in detergents.”
He explained that Dangote Group evaluates new investments based on population-driven demand. Nigeria’s growing population, he noted, continues to fuel strong consumption of everyday products such as fuel, lubricants, and detergents.
Importantly, he stressed that basic consumer goods should remain affordable. He said fuels, lubricants, and cleaning products should not be treated as luxury items in a region with rising living costs.
Currently, West Africa imports nearly 100 percent of the surfactants used in detergent production, placing pressure on foreign exchange reserves and increasing production costs for manufacturers.
To address this gap, Dangote Refinery plans to locally manufacture the surfactant needed by detergent producers. As a result, the move could significantly reduce import dependence and ease pressure on Nigeria’s foreign exchange market.
“Right now, all detergents used in West Africa rely on imported surfactants,” David Bird said. “We will build an LAB plant to change that.”
Industry analysts believe the initiative could lower production costs, improve profit margins for manufacturers, and reduce retail prices for consumers. In addition, local sourcing of inputs could strengthen supply chains and improve production stability.
Furthermore, he described the project as part of Dangote Group’s long-term reinvestment strategy aimed at boosting economic sustainability across Nigeria and the region.
By expanding into detergent raw materials, Dangote Refinery continues to position itself as a major driver of industrial growth, self-sufficiency, and value addition in West Africa.
