Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased exports of petrol and urea to African markets, positioning itself as a key supplier as countries across the continent grapple with supply disruptions linked to global geopolitical tensions.
Speaking during a tour of the Lagos-based facility, President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said the refinery is operating at full capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, helping to cushion the effects of the ongoing supply crunch in Nigeria and beyond.
“What I can do is assure Nigerians … and most of West Africa, Central Africa, and East Africa, we have the capacity to supply them,” Dangote stated.
The refinery has already shipped about 17 cargoes of petrol to other African countries, while urea exports have also risen significantly as nations seek alternative sources of supply.
Dangote noted a strategic shift in export destinations, with more focus now placed on African markets. “In the last couple of days, we’ve been looking to mostly African countries, which we were not doing before,” he said, referring to fertiliser shipments.
The development comes as many African countries face tightening fuel and fertiliser supplies due to disruptions in global supply chains. Analysts say the refinery’s increased output and regional focus are helping to stabilise availability across West, Central, and East Africa.
With an annual production capacity of up to three million metric tonnes of urea—traditionally exported to markets such as the United States and South America—the refinery is now redirecting more of its output toward African buyers amid rising demand.
Industry observers note that the shift underscores Nigeria’s growing role as a regional energy hub, as the Dangote refinery ramps up operations and expands intra-African trade in refined products.
