By By Elizabeth ugbo
Dangote Petroleum, led by Managing Director David Bird, announced a $400,000-tonne Linear Alkaline Benzene (LAB) plant expansion at its refinery in Nigeria on February 26, 2026, aiming to reduce Africa’s dependence on imported detergent ingredients.
David Bird emphasized that local refining can eliminate inefficiencies by processing crude oil nearby and supplying products directly to local markets.
Africa’s Dependence on Imported Detergent Ingredients
Currently, Africa imports 100% of its detergent and cleaning agent ingredients. Bird explained that surfactants, specifically LAB (Linear Alkaline Benzene), are the primary ingredient creating bubbles in detergents.
He said, “By building a 400,000-tonne LAB plant, Africa can produce its own cleaning agents, eliminating reliance on imports.”
Five Major Projects Transforming the Refinery
Dangote Petroleum is implementing five major projects to convert the refinery into a world-class industrial hub. These initiatives aim to:
- Expand crude refining capacity
- Produce detergent ingredients locally
- Establish a fully integrated industrial trading hub
- Support the West African market with import parity pricing
- Promote regional economic growth
Boosting Competitiveness and Consumer Protection
Bird highlighted readiness to compete in West Africa using import parity pricing. He also called for strict regulation to ensure product quality and protect consumers.
He stated, “This transformation is not just for Nigeria, but for the continent and the Atlantic hemisphere.”
Economic Impact and Regional Benefits
The LAB plant and refinery expansion are expected to:
- Reduce Africa’s import dependence
- Strengthen local manufacturing capabilities
- Create jobs in the chemical and industrial sectors
- Support detergent production across the continent
