President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has revealed that the planned expansion of the Dangote Refinery to a production capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd) will generate up to 95,000 skilled jobs at the peak of construction.
Dangote made the announcement in Lagos over the weekend during his induction as an Honorary Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, describing the project as a defining step in Nigeria’s industrialisation drive.
He said the expansion highlights the Group’s sustained investment in engineering excellence, human capital development, and long-term economic growth.
“This recognition is particularly significant because it reflects our commitment to the industry, especially in creating opportunities for engineers and skilled professionals. At the peak of construction, we expect about 95,000 skilled workers on site, and the numbers will continue to grow,” Dangote stated.
Once completed, the upgraded refinery is projected to surpass the Jamnagar Refinery to become the largest refining complex in the world, significantly boosting Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity and reducing reliance on imported petroleum products.
Dangote emphasised that the project will be driven largely by Nigerian expertise, opening up opportunities for engineers, technicians, artisans, and other skilled workers. He noted that the initiative aligns with the Group’s broader vision of accelerating industrial development across Nigeria and the African continent.
Beyond job creation, the expansion is expected to stimulate local manufacturing, promote technology transfer, and deepen Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain. It is also projected to enhance energy security and deliver substantial foreign exchange savings for the country.
“The scale of this expansion reflects our confidence in Nigerian capability and our belief that Africa can deliver world-class infrastructure that meets global standards,” he added.
In his remarks, President of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Rahamon Bello, described the honour as well deserved, noting that Dangote’s contributions extend beyond infrastructure development.
“What makes this recognition fitting is not only what has been built, but the inspiration it provides. Alhaji Aliko Dangote continues to motivate a new generation of engineers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to think boldly and act decisively,” Bello said.
