The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has achieved its full nameplate capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) after restoring and optimising key processing units, management has announced.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the company confirmed that it successfully stabilised its Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) and Motor Spirit (MS) production block, enabling the facility to operate at peak throughput. The refinery described the milestone as a significant technical achievement for a single-train plant of its size.
72-Hour Performance Test Underway
Following the optimisation process, the refinery commenced a 72-hour intensive performance test run in collaboration with its licensor, UOP. The exercise aims to verify operational stability, efficiency, and compliance with international standards under real-time conditions.
Management explained that the CDU, which serves as the primary processing unit, separates crude oil into various fractions. Meanwhile, the MS Block — comprising the naphtha hydrotreater, isomerisation unit, and reformer — upgrades intermediate streams into high-octane petrol blend components.
According to David Bird, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, all three components of the MS Block now operate steadily at full 650,000 bpd capacity, supporting stable petrol output.
“Our teams have demonstrated precision and technical expertise in stabilising both the CDU and MS Block,” Bird said. “This testing phase allows us to validate the refinery’s performance under actual operating conditions.”
He added that the refinery remains on course to deliver consistent, high-quality refined products while strengthening Nigeria’s energy security.
Broader Technical Validation to Follow
Bird disclosed that additional processing units across the complex will begin their own performance test runs under Phase 2 next week. The step marks the final stage of technical validation across the integrated facility.
Growing Role in Domestic Fuel Supply
Beyond the engineering milestone, the refinery highlighted its expanding contribution to Nigeria’s fuel market. During the recent festive period, it supplied between 45 million and 50 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) daily to the domestic market.
With the CDU and MS Block now fully optimised, the company said it can deliver up to 75 million litres of PMS per day, depending on market requirements. Management believes this capacity could significantly alter local supply dynamics and ease reliance on imported fuel.
The development comes amid a renewed national focus on energy security, foreign exchange savings, and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on refined product imports, despite its status as a major crude oil producer.
The refinery also reiterated its commitment to supporting industrial growth, job creation, and economic diversification.
Looking ahead, the company confirmed plans to expand capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day within the next three years, effectively doubling current output.