The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has intensified pressure on the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to significantly deepen Nigerian participation as the facility pushes forward with an ambitious expansion plan targeting 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd).

This directive emerged during the 4th Quarter 2025 Dangote/NCDMB Joint Technical Committee (JTC) meeting held recently in Lagos, where both parties evaluated progress and outlined new targets for 2026.

Chairman of the JTC, Mr. Silas Ajimijaye, stressed that the next phase of the refinery’s growth must translate into measurable in-country value creation.

“We must begin to proactively map out every opportunity where Nigerians can take the lead,” he stated. “Our goal is to push innovation, strengthen local capacity, and ensure full compliance with the NOGICD Act.”

A key highlight of the meeting was Dangote Refinery’s proposal to establish an in-country Research and Development (R&D) cluster aimed at boosting technical capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign expertise. According to the refinery’s team, the cluster will support operational efficiency while strengthening Nigeria’s broader energy research ecosystem.

NCDMB described the plan as a transformative step for long-term industrial growth.

“This R&D cluster is essential. It will deepen knowledge transfer and support Nigeria’s technological advancement in refining,” Ajimijaye stated while responding on behalf of the Executive Secretary.

The JTC further reaffirmed its commitment to expanding Nigerian content across engineering, procurement, construction, operations, maintenance, fabrication, spare-parts manufacturing, technical services, and indigenous innovation.

Ajimijaye added that NCDMB will intensify oversight in 2026 to ensure the refinery’s upcoming expansion drives real value for the Nigerian economy.

“We are committed to ensuring the Dangote Refinery becomes not just Africa’s largest, but also Africa’s most Nigerian-driven,” he said.

The Committee also announced plans to ramp up stakeholder engagement and technical reviews next year to further embed Nigerian participation in all phases of the refinery’s current projects and its planned mega-expansion.