The Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos has shipped its first export cargoes of refined petroleum products to Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, marking a historic milestone for Nigeria's downstream sector and for Africa's energy independence more broadly.

The 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery — the largest on the continent — is currently operating at approximately 420,000 barrels per day and management says it expects to reach full capacity by September 2026 as the final processing units come online.

What it means for Nigeria

Nigeria spent approximately $10 billion on petrol imports in 2024 despite being Africa's largest oil producer — a paradox that the Dangote refinery is designed to end. Domestic petrol prices have already fallen 18% since the refinery began domestic sales in late 2025, and the government has largely stepped back from the pricing market.

Group Chief Executive Aliko Dangote said the export programme would initially target West African neighbours but would eventually reach Europe and Asia. "We can compete on price with any refinery in the world at our scale," he told reporters in Lagos.

Regional implications

For Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire and other West African states, Nigerian refined products represent a potentially cheaper and more reliable alternative to European imports. The Economic Community of West African States has been pushing for greater regional energy self-sufficiency as part of its industrialisation agenda.