Dangote Refinery has appointed David Bird as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Bird, who brings over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, was previously the head of Duqm Refinery in Oman.
His appointment is expected to play a key role in the refinery’s ambitious growth plans, as the facility looks to solidify its position as Africa’s largest single-train refinery.
A Seasoned Leader with Global Expertise
David Bird’s extensive background in refinery management and operational excellence makes him a valuable asset for Dangote Refinery.
With a career spanning multiple continents and successful stints in leading oil refineries, Bird’s leadership is expected to guide the refinery through the next phase of its development.
His experience, particularly in overseeing large-scale refinery operations in the Middle East, aligns perfectly with Dangote Refinery’s goals of ramping up production capacity and expanding its market share in the global oil and gas industry.
Plans for Growth: 700,000 Barrels Per Day by 2025
Under Bird’s leadership, the Dangote Refinery aims to increase its production capacity to 700,000 barrels per day by December 2025.
This ambitious target will significantly enhance Nigeria’s refining capacity and reduce the country’s dependency on imported refined petroleum products.
By boosting its output, the refinery is expected to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s energy security, creating a more self-sufficient and resilient economy.
The refinery, which began operations in December 2023, is already a crucial asset to Nigeria’s oil sector. It is designed to process a wide range of crude oil grades, including Nigerian crude, and produce high-quality gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and polypropylene.
The refinery’s operations are expected not only to meet domestic needs but also create valuable export opportunities for Nigeria’s refined products.
Transforming Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector
The Dangote Refinery, with a massive investment of $20 billion, has the potential to revolutionise Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Once fully operational, it will be one of the largest refineries in the world, with the capacity to process different types of crude oil and contribute significantly to reducing the country’s reliance on imported petroleum products.
Beyond its economic importance, the refinery is also set to play a vital role in job creation. The project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, from construction to operational staff.
This will have a ripple effect on the local economy, supporting small businesses and boosting employment rates in the region.