Nigeria’s energy sector has received a major boost as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery announced it has attained and sustained its full nameplate capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (bpd), positioning the facility to significantly increase domestic fuel supply.
The refinery disclosed that its Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) and Motor Spirit (MS) Block are now operating at optimal levels following the successful completion of a scheduled maintenance programme. The development marks a significant operational milestone for the facility and strengthens its standing in global refining operations.
According to the company, both units have stabilised at full capacity, with the CDU and MS Block — comprising the naphtha hydrotreater, isomerisation unit and reformer unit — running steadily at 650,000 bpd. This achievement follows an intensive 72-hour performance test conducted in partnership with its technology licensor, UOP, to validate efficiency and ensure all critical operational parameters meet international standards.
Chief Executive Officer, David Bird, described the development as a testament to the refinery’s engineering strength and operational expertise.
“Our teams have demonstrated exceptional precision and expertise in stabilising both the CDU and MS Block. This milestone underscores the strength, reliability and engineering quality that define our operations. We remain committed to producing high-quality refined products that will transform Nigeria’s energy landscape,” Bird said.
He further revealed that additional processing units will undergo their respective performance test runs under Phase Two of the optimisation programme, scheduled to begin next week.
The refinery had supplied between 45 and 50 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) daily during the recent festive season. With full restoration and optimisation of the CDU and MS Block, the facility is now positioned to deliver up to 75 million litres of PMS per day to the domestic market, depending on demand.
Industry observers note that sustained operations at full capacity could substantially reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported refined petroleum products, conserve foreign exchange, and strengthen the country’s drive toward energy self-sufficiency. The development also enhances prospects for Nigeria to emerge as a net exporter of refined petroleum products in the near term.