Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote, to triple fertilizer output in Nigeria

Aliko Dangote is taking another major step in his push to expand Nigeria’s industrial base, announcing a set of technical partnerships aimed at tripling fertilizer output at his operations in Lagos. The plan marks one of the largest manufacturing upgrades in the sector and sets the stage for a broader regional expansion that includes a new multi-billion-dollar plant in Ethiopia.

Nigeria site expands to nine million tons

The Dangote Fertilizer plant in Nigeria currently produces about 3 million metric tons of urea a year. With the new agreements, output is expected to climb to 9 million metric tons annually.

To achieve that scale, the company will add four new production trains to its existing facility, which already runs two trains. Dangote Group said the expansion will help meet rising demand from farmers, local distributors, and global buyers looking for stable supply from West Africa.

As work begins in Nigeria, the group is also moving ahead with a $2.5 billion fertilizer plant in Ethiopia’s Gode region. The facility is designed to add another 3 million metric tons of urea per year once completed. The project reflects a long-term plan to support food production across Africa, reduce reliance on imported fertilizer and limit the impact of volatile global pricing.

Dangote partners power new fertilizer buildout

To deliver both projects, Dangote Group signed technical agreements with four well-known engineering companies. Topsoe will supply ammonia technology and design packages for six ammonia plants across Nigeria and Ethiopia.

Saipem will handle licensing and design for the urea melt units. Thyssenkrupp, through its UFT arm, will provide granulation systems, while EIL will oversee engineering and project management for the new trains in Lekki.

Dangote Group said the expansion underscores its plan to build stronger industrial capacity and support agricultural value chains in markets where fertilizer shortages have slowed crop yields. The company expects the projects to add jobs, increase export earnings, and give farmers more reliable access to key inputs.

Dangote advances refinery expansion plans

Even as these fertilizer projects move forward, Dangote is advancing plans to boost the capacity of his Lagos-based refinery. He recently reached an agreement in India with the Honeywell Group to raise the refinery’s output to 1.4 million barrels per day.

The plan includes licensing, engineering support, and a 750,000-barrel-per-day greenfield site beside the existing 650,000-barrel facility. The upgrade is expected to be completed by 2028 and could help reduce Africa’s dependence on imported fuel.