Dangote Refinery restores CDU and MS units to full 650,000 bpd capacity, positioning Nigeria for stronger fuel supply and reduced import dependence
Dangote Refinery Hits 650,000 bpd Capacity as CDU, MS Units Return to Full Operations
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reached a landmark operational milestone, with its Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) and Motor Spirit (MS) production block now running steadily at the full nameplate capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) — a feat described as unprecedented in global refining history.
The development follows a scheduled maintenance exercise on both units, after which the refinery commenced an intensive 72-hour performance test run in collaboration with licensor UOP to validate efficiency and confirm compliance with global operational standards.
Chief Executive Officer, David Bird, said the successful stabilisation of the CDU and MS Block underscores the refinery’s engineering strength and operational resilience.
“Our teams have demonstrated exceptional precision and expertise in stabilising both the CDU and MS Block, and we are pleased to see them functioning at optimal efficiency,” Bird said.
“This performance testing phase enables us to validate the entire plant under real operating conditions. We are confident that the refinery remains firmly on track to deliver consistent, world-class output.”
He added that the milestone reflects the refinery’s reliability and long-term strategic vision.
“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, eliminate import dependence, and position the nation as a net exporter of petroleum products.”
The CDU and MS Block — comprising the naphtha hydrotreater, isomerisation unit, and reformer unit — are now operating steadily at full capacity, while other processing units are scheduled to begin performance test runs in Phase 2 next week.
During the recent festive period, the refinery supplied between 45 and 50 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) daily to the domestic market.
With full restoration of the key units, output capacity is now positioned to scale up to 75 million litres of PMS per day, significantly strengthening Nigeria’s fuel supply chain.
Bird expressed appreciation to customers and Nigerians nationwide, reiterating the refinery’s broader economic impact.
Beyond fuel supply, the 650,000 bpd facility is expected to boost energy security, stimulate industrial development, create jobs, and reduce the country’s reliance on imported petroleum products.
As Africa’s largest oil refinery moves into its next operational phase, industry observers say the milestone could mark a defining moment in Nigeria’s push toward energy independence and export competitiveness.
