The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has recorded a major operational milestone after restoring and optimising its Crude Distillation Unit and Motor Spirit production block to their full combined capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, a development that places the facility firmly on the global refining map.
The refinery confirmed that following scheduled maintenance on both units, it commenced a 72-hour performance test in collaboration with technology licensor UOP to validate efficiency and ensure compliance with international operating standards.
Chief Executive Officer David Bird said the successful stabilisation of the Crude Distillation Unit and the Motor Spirit block reflects the refinery’s advanced engineering design and operational strength. He noted that the testing phase is intended to confirm plant performance under real production conditions and reinforce confidence in consistent, high-quality output.
According to Bird, the Motor Spirit block, which includes the naphtha hydrotreater, isomerisation unit and reformer unit, is now running steadily at peak output. He added that other processing units within the refinery will begin their own performance assessments in Phase Two scheduled for next week.
Read Also:
- We do not import fuel, Nigerians get Euro-Standard products only – Dangote Refinery
- NNPC boss hails Dangote Refinery for bringing major relief to Nigerians
- Fuel scarcity ends with subsidy era, Dangote Refinery delivers World-Class petrol, assures Nigerians of price stability
The 650,000 barrels per day capacity positions the Dangote Refinery as the largest single-train refinery in Africa and one of the most significant refining assets globally. Industry analysts say the development could reshape Nigeria’s fuel supply chain and reduce long-standing dependence on imported refined petroleum products.
During the recent festive period, the refinery supplied between 45 million and 50 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit daily to the domestic market. With the full optimisation of the Crude Distillation Unit and petrol production block, the facility now has the capacity to supply up to 75 million litres of PMS per day as demand requires.
Bird reiterated the refinery’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s energy security, supporting industrial growth and creating jobs across the value chain. He said the project remains focused on transforming the country into a net exporter of refined petroleum products while stabilising the local fuel market.
The milestone marks a critical step in Nigeria’s drive toward self-sufficiency in fuel production and reinforces the strategic importance of the Dangote Refinery in Africa’s energy landscape.
