Dangote, thyssenkrupp Uhde Partner to Expand Fertiliser Production
By Patience Ikpeme
thyssenkrupp Uhde Fertilizer Technology (UFT), a subsidiary of thyssenkrupp Uhde, has entered into a strategic agreement with Dangote Fertiliser Limited (DFL) for the licensing of its advanced UFT® Fluid Bed Granulation Technology to build four new urea granulation units in Nigeria.
Under the agreement, thyssenkrupp Uhde Fertilizer Technology will provide DFL with the technology license, a comprehensive Process Design Package (PDP), and proprietary equipment such as granulators and scrubbers.
Each of the four new units will have a nameplate capacity of 4,235 metric tons per day, significantly increasing Dangote Fertiliser Limited’s total annual production from approximately 2.65 million tons to more than 8 million tons of urea granules. The facilities will be located in Lekki, adjacent to DFL’s existing fertilizer complexes, which have been operating with UFT® technology since 2021 and produce 3,850 metric tons per day each.
The new units will incorporate UFT’s energy-efficient scrubbing system, designed to minimize pressure drop while effectively managing dust and ammonia emissions to meet global environmental standards. They will also feature the Ammonia Convert Technology (ACT), which integrates ammonium sulfate byproducts into the urea granules. This innovation will eliminate waste streams and provide both logistical and commercial benefits.
Speaking on the agreement, Chief Executive Officer of thyssenkrupp Uhde, Nadja Haakansson, said the partnership reflects a mutual commitment to advancing sustainable industrial development and global food security.
“This partnership with Dangote Fertiliser Limited underscores our shared vision for sustainable industrial development and global food security,” Haakansson said. “By deploying our proven UFT® Fluid Bed Granulation Technology, we are setting new standards in efficiency and environmental stewardship in fertilizer production. We are proud to support DFL in building resilient and future-ready value chains.”
President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, described the partnership as another milestone in the company’s drive toward agricultural self-sufficiency and industrial growth across Africa.
“We are pleased to deepen our collaboration with thyssenkrupp Uhde Fertilizer Technology for the expansion of our fertilizer operations in Lekki,” Dangote stated. “This initiative reflects our commitment to agricultural self-sufficiency and industrial progress across Africa. With UFT® technology, we are ensuring the production of high-quality urea fertilizer that meets global standards while reducing environmental impact. This investment further positions Nigeria as a leading fertilizer producer.”
Dangote Fertiliser Limited remains one of Africa’s largest fertilizer producers, focused on enhancing agricultural productivity and strengthening food security across the continent.
thyssenkrupp Uhde’s UFT® Fluid Bed Granulation Technology, which is recognized globally as one of the most advanced solutions for urea granule production, plays a key role in global food supply. Currently, more than 70 percent of the world’s urea granule output is produced using UFT® technology, maintaining emissions well below regulatory limits while supporting sustainable agricultural production worldwide.
