CDU and Motor Spirit block reach optimal performance as refinery ramps up petrol supply to strengthen Nigeria’s energy security…..
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reached a major operational milestone following the full restoration and optimisation of its Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) and Motor Spirit (MS) production block, with both units now operating at full nameplate capacity of 650,000 barrels per day.
The development marks a significant step in stabilising steady-state operations at Africa’s largest oil refining facility and positions the refinery among the few globally to achieve such performance at this scale.
After completing a scheduled maintenance exercise on the CDU and MS Block, the refinery commenced an intensive 72-hour performance testing phase in collaboration with its technology licensor, UOP. The tests are aimed at validating operational efficiency and confirming that all critical parameters meet global performance standards.
Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, David Bird, said the strong performance and seamless integration of the units highlight the refinery’s advanced engineering and operational strength.
“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 allows us to validate the entire plant under real operating conditions. We remain confident that the refinery is firmly on track to deliver consistent, world-class output,” he said.
Bird noted that the milestone reinforces the refinery’s reliability and technical quality, adding that the facility remains committed to producing high-quality refined products that will reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports and support the country’s transition to a net exporter of petroleum products.
He explained that the CDU and MS Block, which include the naphtha hydrotreater, isomerisation unit and reformer unit, are now running steadily at full capacity. According to him, remaining processing units will enter their own performance testing phase in the second stage of the programme scheduled to begin next week.
The CEO disclosed that during the recent festive period, the refinery supplied between 45 million and 50 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit daily. With the CDU and MS Block fully operational, the facility is now positioned to deliver up to 75 million litres of petrol daily to the domestic market as demand requires.
Bird expressed appreciation to customers and Nigerians nationwide, reaffirming the refinery’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s energy security while supporting industrial growth, job creation and broader economic diversification.
