Nigeria to Become Net Exporter of Polypropylene – Dangote
By NaijaEnquirer Staff
Dangote Group Limited says Nigeria is set to become a net exporter of polypropylene following the commissioning of Africa’s largest polypropylene plant at its Lagos refinery complex. The development marks a turning point for the country, which currently imports nearly 250,000 metric tonnes annually—about 90% of its consumption.
The new facility, operational since March 2025, has an annual production capacity of 830,000 metric tonnes. Dangote says the plant will not only bridge the domestic supply gap but also push Nigeria into the global market as a competitive exporter of polypropylene.
Game Changer at PROPAK West Africa
Polypropylene from the refinery took centre stage at the 12th edition of PROPAK West Africa 2025, the region’s leading exhibition for packaging, plastics, printing, and processing industries. Industry leaders, including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), hailed the product as a “game changer.”
Dr. Segun Alabi, Assistant Director of Corporate Affairs at MAN, confirmed readiness to partner with Dangote: “Polypropylene is a vital raw material for many of our members. With local production in surplus, demand can now be met both locally and internationally. Instead of relying on imports, users can now source locally. We’re fully prepared to work with Dangote to push polypropylene into the Nigerian market and export it as a source of foreign exchange.”
Industry Reactions
Event organisers also praised Dangote’s participation. George Pearson, Regional Director for West Africa at Montgomery Group Afrocet, said the company’s presence as exhibitor, partner, and sponsor added prestige to PROPAK. “If any company can deliver transformative impact in this space, it’s Dangote,” Pearson remarked.
Similarly, Vinmar International LLC hailed the launch as transformational. Its General Manager for Export Operations in Nigeria, Mr. Shridhar Krishnamurthy, said: “Dangote is among the world’s leading brands in this space. Many global plastic producers are eager to engage. It’s high time Africa had a reliable, high-quality supplier.”
Economic Impact
The new plant is expected to reduce imports, strengthen the naira, and boost domestic manufacturing capabilities. Products are supplied in 25kg bags for the local market, while a strategic distribution partnership with Vinmar Group will drive global exports.
With global polypropylene production projected to grow by more than 25 million metric tonnes before 2030, Dangote says Nigeria is well positioned to benefit from rising demand while reducing foreign exchange pressure from imports.
