Dangote Group to Expand Lekki Refinery to 1.4 Million Barrels Per Day…….


In a major boost for Nigeria’s energy sector, Dangote Group has secured a multi-million-dollar contract to expand the capacity of the Dangote Refinery in Lekki to an impressive 1.4 million barrels per day. According to the refinery, the expansion will solidify its position as a “global heavyweight,” transforming the complex into a multi-train facility of unmatched scale. The move is seen as a giant leap toward national fuel independence, reduced imports and stronger economic growth. Stakeholders say the project could significantly lower fuel costs and strengthen Nigeria’s export potential.
#fintternews

Dangote Signs $350m Deal With Indian Firm EIL to Expand Lagos Refinery

Dangote Group has signed a $350 million agreement with Indian engineering firm Engineers India Ltd (EIL) to expand its flagship refinery and petrochemicals complex in Lagos, a move expected to significantly boost Nigeria’s industrial capacity and reduce Africa’s dependence on imported refined fuels.

The expansion project will increase the refinery’s processing capacity from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day, positioning it as one of the largest single-location refinery complexes in the world.

Located in the Lekki Free Zone, the Dangote Refinery represents a major milestone in Nigeria’s transition from fuel importation to local production and export of refined petroleum products.

As part of the deal, Dangote Group will also expand its petrochemical operations, with polypropylene production set to rise to 2.4 million tonnes per annum, strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global petrochemical market.

#DangoteRefinery #NigeriaEconomy #IndustrialGrowth #EnergySector

Dangote Refinery shakes up Nigeria's fuel market, selling petrol N44 cheaper and has promised

What Will 2026 Really Bring for Nigeria and the World? Azu Ishiekwene Predicts Power Shifts, Economic Strain, AI Disruption, 2027 Politics and Who Wins the World Cup

Is 2026 a year of quiet recovery—or the beginning of deeper political, economic and global turbulence? And is Nigeria already slipping into the politics of 2027?

In what he describes as possibly his final annual forecast, journalist and columnist Azu Ishiekwene delivers a sweeping, high-stakes outlook on Nigeria and the world, blending political prediction, economic analysis, technology trends and global power shifts. Known for earlier forecasts that accurately anticipated election outcomes and cabinet shake-ups, Ishiekwene argues that 2026 will be a year where politics collides head-on with harsh economic realities, leaving citizens caught between daily hardship and recycled political promises.

He warns that Nigeria’s economy will remain under pressure, with tensions growing between tight monetary policy and rising demands for fiscal expansion in a pre-election year. Could divisions inside the Ministry of Finance undermine investor confidence? And will petrol prices remain stable around ₦850 per litre, as he suggests, only if oil output rises and NNPC escapes its heavy crude obligations?

While cheaper fuel from the Dangote Refinery may offer temporary consumer relief, Ishiekwene predicts continued instability in electricity supply, pointing to a fragile transmission system that still requires massive investment. He also foresees President Bola Tinubu possibly unveiling private-sector-led reforms in power transmission involving major business players.

But is Nigeria already entering the politics of 2027 in 2026?

Ishiekwene argues that although early elections are unlikely, political realignments are accelerating. With multiple opposition governors defecting to the ruling APC, claims of a creeping one-party state are growing. Yet, he suggests the reality is more complex: a weakened opposition plagued by internal fractures, financial constraints and a lack of coherent alternatives.

Turning to the emerging African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition—uniting figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi and Rabiu Kwankwaso—he raises a critical question: is ADC truly built to win in 2027, or merely to survive until 2031? He predicts Atiku will clinch the party’s ticket over Obi, with Obi likely offered the vice-presidential slot—potentially triggering backlash among “Obidients.” With limited grassroots reach and the enormous financial demands of a presidential campaign, Ishiekwene concludes that ADC may struggle to pose a serious challenge to the ruling party in the next election cycle.

Beyond Nigeria, he paints 2026 as a year shaped by geopolitical rivalry, especially between Donald Trump’s America and Xi Jinping’s China, and by growing global unease over U.S. trade policies, immigration enforcement and economic nationalism. Could gold and non-dollar assets accelerate as the world quietly prepares for a less dollar-centric future?

He also highlights the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, warning that 2026 will mark a shift from basic generative AI to agentic, autonomous systems capable of independent action. As AI blurs the line between reality and fabrication, he predicts rising confusion, misinformation, and ethical challenges—ushering in what he calls the “Year of the Humanoid.”

Even football is not spared his forecasting. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, Ishiekwene tips Spain to win, citing tactical depth and cohesion, while acknowledging Morocco as Africa’s strongest hope.

Ultimately, the essay asks uncomfortable but urgent questions:
Is Nigeria drifting toward political dominance by one party?
Will economic reforms truly ease citizens’ burdens—or merely reshuffle the pressure?
Can a fractured opposition reorganise in time?
And in a world increasingly shaped by AI and geopolitical rivalry, where does Nigeria truly stand?

For Ishiekwene, 2026 is not just another year—it is a crossroads where technology, politics, power and survival intersect, setting the tone for Nigeria’s future well beyond the next election.

Dangote Refinery Temporarily Offline for Maintenance, Eyes 700,000 bpd Output in 2026 to Boost Nigeria’s Fuel Self-Sufficiency

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has commenced planned maintenance on its core petrol-producing units, temporarily pausing full crude processing. The move targets increased operational stability and a ramp-up in crude distillation capacity from 650,000 to 700,000 barrels per day (bpd) by early 2026, solidifying the refinery’s status as the world’s largest single-train facility.

The maintenance includes taking the residue fluid catalytic cracker (RFCC) and crude distillation unit (CDU) offline, while secondary units such as the hydrocracker and reformer continue limited production of diesel, aviation fuel, and petrol. Since starting operations, the refinery has cut Nigeria’s petrol imports by over 60%, easing foreign exchange pressure and reducing reliance on global supply.

The upgrade is seen as a strategic de-bottlenecking effort, aimed at enhancing long-term refining efficiency and regional market influence. Analysts note that successful capacity ramp-up will reinforce Nigeria’s role as Africa’s refining hub and further reduce dependence on imported fuel, while ensuring adequate supply during the maintenance period.

LPG Marketers Accuse Dangote Refinery of Blocking Gas Loading for Over One Month After Full Payment, Allege Product Diversion, Preferential Pricing and Financial Losses

Some Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) marketers have accused the Dangote Refinery of deliberately frustrating their operations by preventing them from loading LPG products more than a month after full payment was made. The aggrieved marketers told SaharaReporters that despite settling proforma invoices and meeting all financial obligations, access to the Dangote gantry has remained blocked, leaving many traders in severe financial distress. Several marketers said they borrowed heavily from banks to fund their allocations and are now burdened with high interest costs due to prolonged delays.

The marketers further alleged that LPG already paid for is being diverted by the refinery for the production of polypropylene, while independent traders are sidelined. They also criticised what they described as an inefficient and opaque loading system, claiming FAN tickets take weeks to process and that traders are restricted to loading only one truck every two weeks, often requiring insider connections. Additional complaints include alleged preferential pricing for consortium members, uncompetitive margins for independent marketers, the sale of Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK) in US dollars, and pricing structures that make profitability nearly impossible for traders relying on bank loans.

Responding to the allegations, Dangote Group’s Chief Communications Officer, Tony Chiejina, dismissed the criticisms, stating that the refinery’s impact would become clearer over time and highlighting Nigeria’s improved fuel availability during festive periods. He also hinted at what he described as an impending “big revolution” in LPG, urging critics to be patient as the refinery’s long-term benefits unfold.

Dangote Refinery Urges Nigerians to Report MRS Stations Selling Petrol Above ₦739/Litre

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has called on Nigerians to report any MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling station selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, above the approved price of ₦739 per litre.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the refinery announced the commencement of nationwide sales of petrol at ₦739 per litre exclusively through over 2,000 MRS stations across the country. This price reduction, backed by a guaranteed daily supply of 50 million litres, aims to provide relief to consumers, stabilize the downstream market, and counter seasonal fuel scarcity often seen during the festive period.

The refinery commended MRS and other compliant marketers for "demonstrating patriotism" by implementing the reduced pump price, while urging other operators to patronize its products to extend the benefits nationwide.

It strongly warned against "unscrupulous" attempts to create artificial scarcity or inflate prices, describing such actions as "unpatriotic" and calling on regulatory authorities to intervene firmly.

"We encourage Nigerians to avoid buying PMS at excessively high prices when they can access locally refined fuel at ₦739 per litre from over 2,000 MRS stations nationwide. Report any MRS station selling above ₦739 per litre by calling 0800 123 5264,” the statement reads in part.

Over 1,000 trucks now load petrol daily at our refinery.

~ Dangote refinery says

NNPCL Cuts Petrol Pump Price to ₦835 Per Litre Nationwide as Dangote Refinery Price War Intensifies

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reduced the pump price of petrol to about ₦835 per litre across major cities, down from ₦915. NNPCL outlets in Lagos now sell between ₦838 and ₦840 per litre, while Abuja stations are pegged at ₦835. The price drop follows aggressive fuel price cuts by the Dangote Refinery and other private marketers, reflecting increased domestic refining capacity and lower ex-depot costs. Analysts say the move offers temporary relief to consumers but warn prices remain vulnerable to global oil prices, exchange rates, and refinery output levels.

House of Reps Summons Dangote, NMDPRA Over $5m School Fees Allegation, Orders Halt to Public Dispute

The House of Representatives has summoned Aliko Dangote and officials of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) following escalating allegations and counter-claims threatening stability in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector. The decision was taken by the Joint House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream and Midstream) after an emergency meeting to address what lawmakers described as growing industry tension.

Committee chairman, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, said the lawmakers ordered an immediate halt to all public exchanges between the Dangote Refinery and NMDPRA pending legislative investigation. The summon follows Dangote’s allegation that NMDPRA CEO Farouk Ahmed allegedly spent about $5 million on secondary school education for his four children in Switzerland—claims he said raise serious questions about regulatory integrity. The House assured that it would swiftly investigate the matter and propose sustainable solutions to protect sector stability in the post-fuel subsidy era.

Aliko Dangote Accuses NMDPRA Boss Farouk Ahmed of Economic Sabotage, Questions Children’s Foreign Education Spending

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, publicly accused Farouk Ahmed, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), of sabotaging Nigeria’s economy and frustrating local refining investment. Speaking at a public engagement, Dangote likened Ahmed’s regulatory decisions to economic sabotage and emphasized the need to protect the Dangote Refinery despite potential short-term losses. He further called for an investigation by the Code of Conduct Bureau into Ahmed’s alleged lavish lifestyle, including multi-million-dollar education costs for his children abroad. Dangote threatened to publish details of Ahmed’s children’s schools and fees, potentially taking legal action to compel disclosure.

Ooni Of Ife Removed Over 19 Shrines From Our Refinery, And Said ‘Let The Gods Come And Talk To Me’”— Aliko Dangote Says

Aliko Dangote, Nigeria’s business magnate, has revealed that the Ooni of Ife personally oversaw the removal of more than 19 shrines located on the Dangote refinery site. According to Dangote, the shrines had previously restricted access, preventing anyone from approaching or carrying out activities in the area.

During the commissioning of a section of the Dangote refinery, he recounted that the Ooni instructed that all the shrines be removed, declaring that the gods should “come and talk to me,” signaling his direct involvement in the process.

Dangote’s statement highlights the significant role traditional authority played in clearing the site for development and appreciated the Ooni of Ife for his support and providing easy access for the cite construction. The incident underscores the intersection of modern industrial projects with longstanding cultural and spiritual practices in Nigeria.

Today, we officially launched the TY Logistics Park FZE in Alaro City, a project that will shape the future of logistics in Lagos and strengthen our position as Nigeria’s leading industrial hub.

I commend General T.Y. Danjuma (Rtd.) and Senator Daisy Danjuma for their vision. Through TY Holdings, they continue to show what responsible investment and confidence in Lagos truly look like.

This park sits in the middle of a rapidly expanding economic corridor, the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Dangote Refinery, new manufacturing zones, and the coming Lekki–Epe International Airport. A grade-A logistics facility here will cut costs for businesses, support exporters, and create real opportunities for our people.

We also appreciate the Federal Government’s commitment to the 7th Axial Road, which will strengthen the entire supply chain from the port to land.

This project aligns with our THEMES+ agenda to build modern infrastructure, improve mobility, and make Lagos an easier place to invest and operate. Alaro City is fast becoming a preferred industrial destination, and we will keep creating the environment where investors know that today is always the next best day to invest in Lagos.

Dangote Vows to Keep Petrol Prices Low After Meeting Tinubu, Intensifies Pressure on Importers

Aliko Dangote has assured Nigerians that petrol from the Dangote Refinery will continue to sell at “reasonable” and competitive prices, a move expected to heighten pressure on fuel importers. Speaking after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Dangote said the refinery aims to stabilise domestic supply despite global volatility and persistent smuggling driven by price gaps with neighbouring countries. He emphasized that the $20bn refinery is a long-term investment, not one focused on quick profit recovery.

The refinery, which began supplying diesel and jet fuel in early 2024 and petrol in September, is driving down pump prices nationwide, with NNPC recently reducing rates at its stations. Dangote highlighted that his engagement with Tinubu focused on energy security and economic stability, noting that collaboration between government and private operators is crucial as Nigeria adjusts to post-subsidy pricing realities.

Dangote Surge Forces Petrol Prices Down as Depots, NNPC Slash Rates Nationwide

Nigerians are beginning to feel relief as private depots and NNPC retail stations slash petrol prices following a major increase in supply triggered by the Dangote Refinery. After Dangote announced it is now producing 50 million litres of petrol daily, depot owners across Lagos, Port Harcourt, Warri and Calabar reduced ex-depot prices to stay competitive, with rates now ranging between ₦835 and ₦853 per litre depending on location.
NNPC stations also cut pump prices to ₦905 in Lagos and ₦930 in Abuja, with major marketers like MRS and Ardova selling below ₦900. With strong supply from Dangote and incoming oil cargoes, more price reductions may follow. Diesel prices are also falling, driven by increased supply and lower demand.

Nigeria’s Fuel Demand Hits 56.7 Million Litres Daily, Dangote Refinery Leads Local Supply

Nigeria’s daily fuel consumption surged to 56.74 million litres in October 2025, the highest in a year, according to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). Of this, 27.6 million litres were imported, while local refineries, led by Dangote Refinery, supplied 17.08 million litres. The data highlights Nigeria’s continued reliance on petroleum products, with diesel, aviation fuel, and LPG also showing significant daily usage. NMDPRA noted that verified consumption data is crucial for energy sector transformation, import reduction, and economic stability.
emand #PMSConsumption #DangoteRefinery

NNPCL targets 20 per cent ownership stake in Dangote Refinery.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) said it plans to increase its ownership stake in Dangote Refinery to 20 per cent from 7.2 per cent.

NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, disclosed this in his remarks at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference 2025.

According to him, the move is part of the state-owned firm’s strategy to deepen participation in the country’s energy value chain.

“The company is working towards increasing its stake in Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery to 20 per cent,” Ojulari was quoted by Reuters as saying.

This comes as the President of Dangote Refinery, Aliko Dangote, recently said the NNPCL could expand its stake. He, however, noted that this would only happen after Dangote Refinery had proven to NNPCL what the plant can do.

NNPCL retail outlets in Abuja also reduced their petrol pump price to N945 per litre from N955 as supply glitches at the Dangote Refinery eased.

BUA Refinery: Nigeria’s Next Big Move to End Fuel Import Dependence

Nigeria is set for another major breakthrough in its energy sector as BUA Group pushes forward with the construction of its new 200,000 barrels-per-day refinery in Akwa Ibom State. Led by billionaire industrialist Abdul Samad Rabiu, the project aims to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to refine its own crude oil locally — a crucial step toward ending decades of fuel import dependence.

A Game Changer for Nigeria’s Economy

For years, Nigeria has exported crude oil only to import refined fuels at high costs. With the new BUA refinery coming onstream, this cycle is expected to change dramatically. The refinery will produce:
• Petrol (PMS)
• Diesel (AGO)
• Aviation fuel (Jet A1)
• LPG (cooking gas)
• Petrochemicals

This means more jobs, cheaper domestic fuel, and extra revenue for the nation through exports.

Why This Refinery Matters

✔ Supports fuel supply stability
✔ Reduces foreign exchange pressure
✔ Expands Nigeria’s refining capacity
✔ Encourages competition with other refineries — especially Dangote Refinery
✔ Boosts development in the Niger Delta region

The refinery is already attracting international partners in engineering, technology, and infrastructure.

Driving Local Content & Industrial Growth

BUA Group is one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing conglomerates — with investments in:
• Cement
• Foods & sugar
• Port operations
• Real estate
• Energy & power

The refinery project expands BUA’s footprint into the petroleum value chain, helping to keep more wealth within Nigeria.

Looking Ahead

Once completed, the BUA refinery will become one of West Africa’s largest privately-owned refineries, adding healthy competition to the market and supporting Nigeria’s long-awaited shift toward full downstream independence.

“Nigeria should not be importing fuel when we have crude oil.”
— Abdul Samad Rabiu

The journey continues — and the results could reshape the nation’s economic future.

NNPCL Reduces Petrol Price by N10 as Supply Reportedly Improves.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reduced the pump price of petrol as fuel supply from the Dangote Refinery stabilises.

On Saturday, NNPCL adjusted the retail price at its outlets from N955 to N945 per litre, reflecting a N10 reduction. The revised price has already taken effect at stations in areas such as Gwarimpa and Wuse Zone 4 in Abuja.

Other petrol marketers have also followed suit, with stations like Eterna adjusting their pump price to N945 per litre.

The price drop comes after weeks of nationwide increase caused by supply challenges at the Dangote Refinery. Improved distribution from the refinery & product importers has now eased the pressure on fuel supply.

However, there are concerns that prices could climb again, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent approval of a 15% import tax on petrol & diesel, a move analysts say may impact pump prices in the coming weeks.

[10/31, 8:07 PM] null: Presidency Defends 15% Fuel Import Tariff.

The Presidency has confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a 15% import duty on petrol and diesel, saying the move is intended to boost local refining and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel.

The announcement was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, in a statement posted on X on Friday. He described the policy as “a bridge, not a burden,” aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s energy sector for long-term stability.

Dare said the tariff is meant to discourage fuel importation, encourage investment in domestic refining, and help Nigeria take control of its energy supply after years of depending on foreign refineries.

He noted that despite being a major crude oil producer, Nigeria has spent years importing refined products, which drained foreign exchange and cost the nation jobs.

According to him, the new policy gives a competitive edge to local refineries such as Dangote Refinery, the Port Harcourt Refinery, and modular refineries currently being developed.

“By making imported fuel less competitive, the government is tilting the market in favour of local refineries, laying the groundwork for a self-sustaining and resilient energy sector,” he stated.

Dare added that as local refining output increases, fuel availability will improve and pump prices are expected to stabilize, while job creation and industrial activity expand.

However, petroleum marketers have warned that the policy could push petrol prices above ₦1,000 per litre in the short term. Government officials argue that temporary price pressure is necessary to secure long-term gains.

The 15% tariff will take effect after a 30-day transition period, ending November 21, 2025.