Dangote Refinery Expansion to Create 95,000 Jobs
By Patience Ikpeme
The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has announced that the ongoing expansion of the Dangote Refinery will create jobs for no fewer than 95,000 skilled workers at the peak of construction.
Dangote made this known at the weekend in Lagos during his induction as an Honorary Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, where he described the refinery project as a major step in Nigeria’s industrial development.
He explained that the expansion will increase the refinery’s production capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day and reflects the company’s focus on engineering excellence, job creation and long-term economic growth.
“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 added that the project would depend largely on Nigerian professionals, creating opportunities for engineers, technicians, artisans and other skilled workers across the country.
According to him, once completed, the expanded refinery is expected to become the largest in the world, surpassing the Jamnagar Refinery, and significantly boosting Nigeria’s refining capacity.
Dangote said the development would not only create jobs but also support local industries, encourage the transfer of modern technology and strengthen Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain.
He noted that the project would improve fuel availability, reduce the country’s reliance on imported petroleum products and help conserve foreign exchange.
“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 said.
In his remarks, the President of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Rahamon Bello, described the honour as well deserved, noting that Dangote’s contributions go beyond physical infrastructure.
“What makes this recognition fitting is not only what has been built, but what has been inspired. Alhaji 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.
