The Dangote refinery is expected to switch entirely to Nigerian crude oil by the end of 2025, according to Devakumar Edwin, vice president of Dangote Industries.
Owned by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, the $20 billion refinery began operations in 2024 after years of setbacks.
It currently has the capacity to refine 650,000 barrels per day and is already producing aviation fuel, diesel, gasoline, and naphtha.
In June, around 50% of its crude came from local suppliers, a figure that is expected to grow as more Nigerian producers choose to sell directly to the refinery rather than meet export obligations, according to a report by Bloomberg.
“We expect some of the long-term contracts will expire. Personally, and as a company, we expect that before the end of the year, we can transition 100% to local crude,” Edwin said.
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Despite still ramping up to full capacity, the facility has already helped turn Nigeria into a net exporter of petroleum products.
Initially, however, large volumes of imported crude were necessary, as local suppliers couldn’t meet demand.
Since it started operations, the refinery has imported crude from countries such as Brazil, Angola, Ghana, and Equatorial Guinea.
In June, 53% of the crude processed by the plant came from Nigeria, while 47% was imported from the United States.
The refinery is currently processing around 550,000 barrels per day, Edwin confirmed.
He added that improved coordination with local oil traders and government authorities will be key to securing a steady supply of domestic crude going forward.
