Africa’s largest refinery, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, has achieved a major operational milestone, producing 70 million litres of refined fuel daily—a volume that exceeds Nigeria’s total daily consumption. This breakthrough marks a significant turning point for the nation’s downstream oil sector, which has long relied on imported petroleum products.

According to company executives, the refinery is now fully operational across its key processing units, including the crude distillation and naphtha hydrotreater sections, allowing for consistent output of premium motor spirit (PMS), diesel, and jet fuel. The Lagos-based complex, with a nameplate capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is gradually ramping up toward full-scale operations.

Industry analysts note that surpassing domestic demand positions Dangote Refinery as a key export engine for West Africa, capable of supplying refined products to regional markets and stabilizing fuel availability. This milestone also highlights Nigeria’s growing refining self-sufficiency and supports the federal government’s push for energy security and forex savings.

With domestic demand now fully met, the next phase for Dangote Refinery involves optimizing export logistics and integrating advanced digital systems to maintain efficiency and environmental compliance—ushering in a new era for Africa’s refining landscape.