By Arinze Uzo
Business News Correspondent
The Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest oil refining project and one of the most ambitious industrial undertakings on the continent, has officially appointed a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), signaling a fresh phase in its operations and management structure.
The appointment comes at a pivotal time for the refinery, which has faced delays, scrutiny, and high expectations since construction began. With this leadership change, the Dangote Group aims to strengthen operational efficiency, bolster investor confidence, and ensure the refinery reaches its full production potential in the coming months.
Though the identity of the new CEO has not yet been publicly disclosed in full detail, sources within the company indicate the individual is a seasoned industry professional with decades of experience in oil and gas, refining operations, and global energy strategy. The move is seen as a calculated step by Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and president of the Dangote Group, to bring in world-class expertise that will drive the refinery toward full-scale functionality and international competitiveness.
The Dangote Refinery, located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos, has a projected refining capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, positioning it as a transformative asset not only for Nigeria’s energy sector but also for the entire African continent. Once fully operational, it is expected to meet all of Nigeria’s refined petroleum needs and even export surplus products across West Africa.
Analysts believe the new CEO’s role will be critical in overseeing the refinery’s transition from test runs to full operations, managing complex logistics, navigating regulatory environments, and leading a massive workforce drawn from both local and international talent pools.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the change in leadership, expressing hope that the new CEO will accelerate progress, enhance transparency, and introduce global best practices into the refinery’s operations. The development also comes amid Nigeria’s broader push to reduce reliance on imported refined fuels and strengthen its downstream oil and gas infrastructure.
As Dangote Refinery moves under new management, all eyes remain on how this leadership shift will impact timelines, output targets, and the broader economic implications for Nigeria and the region.
