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Dangote Refinery’s Crude Distillation Unit, Motor Spirit Block reach 650,000 bpd Capacity

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has achieved a major operational milestone with the full restoration and optimisation of its Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) and Motor Spirit (MS) production block. Both units are now running at optimal performance, further strengthening the steady‑state operations of Africa’s largest oil refining facility.
Following a scheduled maintenance exercise on the CDU and MS Block, the refinery has commenced an intensive 72‑hour series of performance test runs in collaboration with licensor UOP. These tests are designed to validate operational efficiency and confirm that all critical parameters meet global standards.
Chief Executive Officer, David Bird, noted that the seamless integration and strong performance of the units demonstrate the refinery’s advanced engineering and robust operational capabilities.
“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 enables us to validate the entire plant under real operating conditions. We are confident that the refinery remains firmly on track to deliver consistent, world‑class output.
This milestone underscores the strength, reliability, and engineering quality that define our operations. We remain committed to producing high‑quality refined products that will transform Nigeria’s energy landscape, eliminate import dependence, and position the nation as a net exporter of petroleum products.”
Bird added that the CDU and MS Block, which comprise the naphtha hydrotreater, isomerisation unit, and reformer unit, are now operating steadily at the full nameplate capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. He further confirmed that all remaining processing units will begin their respective performance test runs in Phase 2, scheduled to commence next week.
During the recent festive period, the refinery supplied between 45–50 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) daily. With the CDU and MS Block now fully restored, the refinery is positioned to comfortably deliver up to 75 million litres of PMS to the domestic market as required.
Expressing appreciation to customers and Nigerians across the country, Bird reaffirmed the refinery’s unwavering commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s energy security while supporting industrial development, job creation, and economic diversification.
Credit Dangote Group PR

Dangote Refinery’s Crude Distillation Unit, Motor Spirit Block reach 650,000 bpd Capacity
Economy
12-Feb-2026

Tempers flare as Works Minister defends raising of N7trn Bonds for Road Projects

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has urged the National Assembly to support President Bola Tinubu in raising N7 trillion bonds for NNPCL road projects nationwide.

Umahi made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja while defending the ministry’s 2026 budget before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Works.

He said the request followed presidential approval for NNPCL to withdraw funding from the road projects.

He said: “NNPCL, with the approval of Mr President, has pulled out of funding this project.

“A total of N7 trillion will be needed to complete it, and Mr President has approved that the ministry take over execution.

“It is important to note that continuation of these projects is critical, as they lie within the nation’s economic corridors.”

He listed projects on the East-West Road, Suleja–Minna Road, and several in Taraba, Adamawa and Niger states.

“They are all part of the NNPCL-funded projects, just to mention a few.

“It is good for our lawmakers to encourage Mr President to raise bonds and complete them.

“Whether it was right or wrong, our people need these roads. This is very important,” Umahi stated.

He commended Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure and praised the National Assembly for supporting the President.

Umahi said the President inherited 2,064 ongoing projects on May 29, 2023, valued at about N13 trillion.

He noted the figure predated the naira float and fuel subsidy removal.

“If you appraise building material costs now, compared to before subsidy removal, you can imagine the implications.

“But I thank the President. I do not think any other president has done that.

“When we came on board, we had to continue all 2,064 projects,” he said.

He said the Federal Executive Council directed prioritisation, phasing and re-scoping, especially within major economic corridors across the six geopolitical zones.

The minister said the total cost of ongoing projects stood at N16.9 trillion as of December 2025.

He clarified that the figure excluded the President’s four legacy projects.

Umahi said the N16.9 trillion cost was unrealistic, prompting segmentation of projects zone by zone for completion.

“The President graciously gave us additional funds in the 2026 proposal, totalling N797 billion, including contingency and counterpart funding,” he said.

He said the South-West was allocated N160 billion for critical projects, including the Third Mainland Bridge.

The South-South and North-West received N120 billion each, while the South-East got N105 billion.

North-Central and North-East were allocated N105.2 billion each, he added.

Umahi said Section-1 of the Lagos–Calabar Highway would be completed and commissioned by May 29.

He added that 50 per cent of the 55-kilometre Lekki Deep Sea Port access road would be completed by May 29.

He said: “The entire project will be completed by the end of this year.

“Section-3 in Cross River is ongoing, uninterrupted, with concrete pavement works progressing.”

He said 50 per cent of the Sokoto–Badagry axis would be ready within six months.

“We are hoping to complete that project by the end of the year,” Umahi stated.

He disclosed that contractors are owed about N2.2 trillion for certified works executed between 2024 and 2025.

However, he said efforts were underway to settle the claims following presidential approval.

Earlier, a heated altercation nearly disrupted proceedings during the budget defence.

Senate Majority Whip, Onyekachi Nwabonyi, and Deputy Minority Whip, Rufai Hanga, engaged in a shouting match.

Nwabonyi complained he was not given enough time to comment, alleging unequal allocation of speaking time.

The disagreement briefly halted the session before order was restored.

Credit NAN: Texts excluding Headline

Tempers flare as Works Minister defends raising of N7trn Bonds for Road Projects
Economy
12-Feb-2026

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