Nigeria’s multi-billion-dollar Dangote Refinery has taken a major step toward solidifying its position as a leading force in Africa’s energy landscape with the appointment of David Bird, the former head of Oman’s Duqm Refinery, as the new Chief Executive Officer of its petroleum and petrochemicals division.
This strategic appointment, which was first reported by S&P Global Commodity Insights on Friday, is expected to bolster operational capacity and streamline the next phase of expansion for the $20 billion facility, which is already the largest single-train refinery in the world.
David Bird is set to officially assume the role in July 2025, marking a pivotal moment for the Lagos-based facility as it transitions from its initial fuel rollout phase into a broader national distribution and export-oriented operation.
The appointment is viewed by industry analysts as a response to both existing production challenges and the need for seasoned leadership to manage the refinery’s scale and complexity. Bird brings with him decades of technical and executive experience in the global energy sector, particularly in managing large-scale refining operations across the Middle East.
“The decision to bring in David Bird reflects the refinery’s ambition to align with international best practices and ensure sustainable operations as it ramps up fuel production,” an industry analyst told Africa Live News. “He’s a proven leader with deep operational knowledge, especially in handling complex downstream projects like Duqm.”
The refinery’s founder and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, will remain as Chairman of the refining business, continuing to oversee its long-term vision and strategic partnerships. Dangote’s continued leadership ensures that the original vision of transforming Nigeria’s oil industry remains firmly on track.
Since its official commissioning in May 2023 and subsequent rollout of products in September 2024, the 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery has steadily ramped up capacity. The facility, located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos State, is seen as a game-changer not only for Nigeria but for the entire West African sub-region, where reliance on imported refined petroleum products has strained economies and disrupted supply chains.
The refinery’s initial output has been primarily focused on aviation fuel, diesel, and naphtha. However, plans are now in motion to begin nationwide distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) from August 2025. The move, though welcomed by consumers and economic reform advocates, has reportedly faced resistance from petroleum products marketers in Nigeria.
Industry insiders say some marketers are apprehensive about the refinery’s pricing structure and its potential impact on their profit margins and market control.
“Dangote Refinery has the potential to rewrite the rules of petroleum product pricing in Nigeria,” said an energy policy consultant based in Abuja. “It’s not surprising that some marketers are uncomfortable with a model that might be more transparent and domestically controlled.”
Nonetheless, the federal government has continued to express strong support for the refinery’s operations. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources had earlier described the facility as “a turning point in Nigeria’s energy independence,” adding that the refinery’s success could save the country billions in foreign exchange spent annually on fuel imports.
David Bird’s entry into the leadership fold is expected to bring international credibility, operational discipline, and expanded investor confidence to the refinery’s trajectory. At Duqm Refinery in Oman, Bird successfully oversaw a joint venture between Oman Oil Company and Kuwait Petroleum International, managing operations that reached a processing capacity of over 230,000 barrels per day.
His track record of delivering results in complex regulatory environments, coupled with his understanding of downstream petrochemical integration, aligns perfectly with the ambitious goals of Dangote Industries.
The new CEO’s immediate priorities will likely include scaling up production to meet national demand, expanding export capacity to neighboring African countries, and navigating regulatory pressures both locally and globally.
Sources within the Dangote Group suggest Bird will also work closely with international trading partners and local distribution networks to ensure a seamless rollout of gasoline and diesel products across Nigeria, beginning August 2025.
The facility’s full design includes a petrochemical plant, a fertilizer plant, and an on-site crude oil terminal, making it one of the most integrated industrial complexes on the continent. Analysts believe that by the end of 2025, Dangote Refinery could play a critical role in stabilizing fuel prices across the region and reducing the dominance of foreign oil companies in West African markets.
“This is not just a refinery—it’s a statement of intent,” a Lagos-based economist told Africa Live News. “With the right leadership in place, we’re looking at a transformative moment for Nigeria’s industrial economy.”
The appointment of David Bird also underscores the refinery’s global outlook and Dangote Group’s commitment to matching international operational standards. While local expertise remains critical, the integration of global talent into leadership roles could accelerate innovation and efficiency.
As Dangote Refinery prepares to expand its influence across Nigeria and Africa, the coming months will be crucial. All eyes will be on David Bird as he assumes the role of CEO, tasked with delivering on the promise of energy independence, price stability, and industrial growth.
With Aliko Dangote as Chairman, David Bird as CEO, and a $20 billion infrastructure engine behind them, the Dangote Refinery appears well positioned to redefine Africa’s energy future—one barrel at a time.
