The Dangote Group plans to export refined petroleum products from its Lekki refinery and expand its footprint into Central Africa.

This strategy marks a shift toward diversifying revenue streams and capturing regional demand for petrochemicals, potentially transforming Nigeria's role in the global energy market.

The conglomerate is targeting the export of petrol, diesel, and jet fuel. Some reports indicate a plan to export 100% of output [2]. This comes as Nigeria became a net gasoline exporter in March 2024 [7], driven by the Lekki refinery operating near full capacity.

Halima Dangote, Group Executive Director for Dangote Family Office and International Offices, said she is confident in the refinery's output and export potential. The company is also pursuing a fuel-storage terminal in Cameroon to extend its reach [3].

To support this growth, the group has entered a $400 million equipment deal to triple its capacity [3]. The refinery currently processes 650,000 barrels per day [1], with a targeted future crude-processing capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day [4].

Expansion efforts extend into the petrochemical sector. The group is adding 750,000 tonnes per year of propylene production [5], and 400,000 tonnes per year of linear alkylbenzene (LAB) production [6].

Despite the expansion, the strategy faces challenges. Some marketers have reported rejections of Dangote diesel due to concerns over sulphur content [2]. Additionally, there are concerns that prioritizing exports could lead to fuel scarcity within Nigeria [2].

“Nigeria became a net gasoline exporter in March 2024”

The Dangote Group's transition from a domestic supplier to a regional exporter signals an attempt to decouple Nigerian energy production from local consumption volatility. By investing in petrochemicals and international storage terminals, the company is positioning itself as a dominant energy hub for West and Central Africa, though it must balance these ambitions against domestic supply stability and product quality standards.