Dangote Group Appoints New CEO to Drive Refinery Expansion and Pan-African Growth
Refinery Undergoes Strategic Upgrade to Increase Capacity to 700,000 Barrels Per Day by 2025
Nigeria’s Dangote Group has appointed David Bird, a former Shell executive with over 30 years of industry experience, as Chief Executive Officer of its Refinery and Petrochemical division, effective August 1. Bird’s extensive portfolio includes managing major projects such as Shell’s $12 billion Prelude Floating LNG, positioning him well to lead Dangote’s ambitious refinery operations during a pivotal growth phase.
This appointment supports Dangote’s strategic drive to accelerate its pan-African expansion. The company’s $20 billion refinery complex, currently the world’s largest single-train facility, has been steadily ramping up production since its commissioning in January 2024. Under Bird’s leadership, focus will be placed on optimising refinery performance and expanding Dangote’s footprint across the continent, which is crucial for strengthening regional energy security and enhancing supply chain resilience.
While early operational challenges such as design flaws and unit upsets have tested the Lagos refinery, these have been addressed through measures including diversifying the crude slate. Additionally, overcoming various policy inconsistencies has been vital in reaching this commendable milestone. Plans to increase local ownership are also underway to address concerns regarding foreign partnerships.
A strategic upgrade is currently in progress to increase the refinery’s capacity from 650,000 to 700,000 barrels per day by the end of 2025. This expansion is poised to transform energy supply chains across Africa, disrupting traditional oil trade flows and significantly reducing the continent’s $17 billion reliance on gasoline imports from Europe.
As Dangote’s refinery continues to scale new heights, this leadership change highlights the essential role of strategic management in driving complex supply chain and operational efficiencies, offering valuable insights for supply chain professionals navigating Africa’s evolving energy landscape.
