The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has officially commenced the production of polypropylene, marking a significant milestone for Nigeria’s industrial sector.
The 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) refinery, located in Lagos, is Africa’s largest and is expected to enhance Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in petrochemical products while reducing dependence on imports.
Polypropylene is a crucial material used in the manufacturing of plastic products, packaging, textiles, and automotive parts. The commencement of its production at the Dangote Refinery signals a step forward in Nigeria’s bid to expand its petrochemical industry and create a sustainable supply chain for local manufacturers.
Industry experts believe that domestic production of polypropylene will strengthen Nigeria’s economy, create jobs, and reduce the cost of importing the product. The refinery’s operations are also expected to improve foreign exchange earnings by positioning Nigeria as a key exporter of petrochemicals in Africa.
The Dangote Refinery, built at an estimated cost of $19 billion, began operations earlier this year and has already started supplying refined petroleum products to the Nigerian market. With the addition of polypropylene production, the refinery continues to play a pivotal role in transforming the country’s energy and manufacturing sectors.