Dangote Group has named David Bird, former CEO of Oman’s Duqm refinery, as the new head of its petroleum and petrochemicals division. He took over in July 2025 and will oversee the group’s fuels and petrochemicals business, including its massive Lagos refinery. Bird brings valuable experience from running large refinery projects and is expected to help Dangote overcome current problems and lead future growth.
Bird said his focus will be on boosting output, improving efficiency, and expanding beyond Nigeria into other African markets. The Lagos refinery, which can process 650,000 barrels per day, has faced several setbacks since opening in January 2024. These include design problems, operational issues, and tough local regulations. Still, it has already helped reduce Nigeria’s fuel imports.
Aliko Dangote, who remains chairman of the refinery and CEO of the group, has blamed bad fuel trade practices and poor-quality imports for slowing the plant’s progress. To improve operations, the refinery is now using a wider range of crude oils, as supplies of Nigerian crude have become limited. The company also has a deal to supply fuel to the local market through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, which owns a small share in the project.
Looking ahead, Dangote Group plans to expand the refinery’s capacity, build better port facilities, and open storage centers in other African countries like Namibia. In August 2025, it will also launch its own distribution system with 4,000 CNG-powered trucks. The company also plans to list the refinery business on both the London and Lagos stock exchanges.
