Thursday, October 8, 2026

Dangote Refinery’s crude distillation unit, motor spirit block hit 650,000 bpd capacity

The refinery has commenced an intensive 72‑hour series of performance test runs in collaboration with licensor UOP.

• February 11, 2026
Dangote refinery
Dangote refinery

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has achieved a major operational milestone with the full restoration and optimisation of its Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) and Motor Spirit (MS) production block. Both units are now running at optimal performance, further strengthening the steady‑state operations of Africa’s largest oil refining facility.

Following a scheduled maintenance exercise on the CDU and MS Block, the refinery has commenced an intensive 72‑hour series of performance test runs in collaboration with licensor UOP. These tests are designed to validate operational efficiency and confirm that all critical parameters meet global standards.

Chief Executive Officer, David Bird, noted that the seamless integration and strong performance of the units demonstrate the refinery’s advanced engineering and robust operational capabilities.

“Our teams have demonstrated exceptional precision and expertise in stabilising both the CDU and MS Block, and we are pleased to see them functioning at optimal efficiency. This performance testing phase enables us to validate the entire plant under real operating conditions. We are confident that the refinery remains firmly on track to deliver consistent, world‑class output.

This milestone underscores the strength, reliability, and engineering quality that define our operations. We remain committed to producing high‑quality refined products that will transform Nigeria’s energy landscape, eliminate import dependence, and position the nation as a net exporter of petroleum products.”

Bird added that the CDU and MS Block, which comprise the naphtha hydrotreater, isomerisation unit, and reformer unit, are now operating steadily at the full nameplate capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. He further confirmed that all remaining processing units will begin their respective performance test runs in Phase 2, scheduled to commence next week.

During the recent festive period, the refinery supplied between 45–50 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) daily. With the CDU and MS Block now fully restored, the refinery is positioned to comfortably deliver up to 75 million litres of PMS to the domestic market as required.

Expressing appreciation to customers and Nigerians across the country, Bird reaffirmed the refinery’s unwavering commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s energy security while supporting industrial development, job creation, and economic diversification.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

Nigerian Bar Association

States

Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future

The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Ondo State House of Assembly

Economy

Ondo assembly seeks faster C of O processing to boost investment 

The committee’s chairman, Abiola Oladapo, said efficient land administration was critical to creating an enabling environment for businesses.

Iziaq Salako (Credit: EnviromentNews)

Heading 4

Minister calls for greater involvement of oncology nurses in cancer care

The minister said cancer’s complexity made multidisciplinary collaboration essential.

Education

NOUN matriculates 70 inmates in Enugu custodial centre

Mr Nwakuche said the NCoS was committed to using education as an instrument for reformation.

Yahaya Inuwa

Agriculture

Gombe inaugurates state-wide livestock vaccination campaign

Mr Yahaya said the exercise was aimed at protecting animal health.

Olusegun Obasanjo

NationWide

Asaba Massacre: Obasanjo urges forgiveness, reconciliation

He described the massacre as one of the most painful and terrible aspects of the Nigerian Civil War.

ISIS supporter Sheikhdoon Mohamud

World

FBI nabs ISIS-linked Sheikhdoon Mohamud for plottting terrorist attack on Mall of America

He was arrested after buying an AK-47-style rifle, magazines and ammunition from an undercover FBI agent.