President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has announced that the ongoing expansion of the Dangote Refinery to a production capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day will create employment opportunities for no fewer than 95,000 skilled workers at the peak of construction.
Dangote made this known in Lagos during his induction as an Honorary Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, describing the refinery expansion as a major step in Nigeria’s industrial transformation.
He said the project reflects the Group’s commitment to engineering excellence, job creation, and sustainable economic growth, adding that the expansion would depend heavily on Nigerian professionals across multiple sectors.
According to him, the recognition by the academy is significant because it highlights the importance of engineering and skilled manpower in national development.
“This award is particularly meaningful because it recognizes what we are doing in the industry, especially our commitment to employing engineers and skilled professionals. At the peak of construction for this expansion, we expect to have about 95,000 skilled workers on site, and we will continue to grow,” Dangote said.
He explained that upon completion, the expanded refinery is expected to surpass the Jamnagar Refinery in India to become the largest refinery in the world, significantly boosting Nigeria’s refining capacity.
Dangote noted that the project would open major opportunities for engineers, technicians, artisans, and other skilled professionals, while also strengthening local manufacturing and promoting technology transfer.
He added that the expansion aligns with the Group’s long-term vision for industrialisation across Nigeria and Africa.
Beyond employment generation, the refinery is expected to improve fuel security, reduce the country’s dependence on imported petroleum products, deepen the oil and gas value chain, and deliver significant foreign exchange savings for the Nigerian economy.
“The scale of this expansion reflects our confidence in Nigerian capacity and our belief that Africa has the ability to build world-class infrastructure that meets global standards,” he stated.
President of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Engr. Prof. Rahamon Bello, described the honour as well deserved, noting that Dangote’s achievements extend beyond infrastructure development.
He said Dangote’s journey continues to inspire a new generation of engineers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to think boldly and pursue transformative ideas across the continent.
“What makes this recognition fitting is not only what has been built, but what has been inspired. Aliko Dangote’s journey continues to motivate a new generation of engineers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to think boldly, act decisively, and believe in the immense possibilities within our continent,” Bello said.
