The President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has revealed that ordinary Nigerians will soon have the opportunity to own shares in the Dangote Refinery, as part of plans to widen public participation in the multi-billion-dollar project.
He made the announcement on Saturday while addressing journalists during a visit to the refinery complex by the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Bayo Ojulari, along with members of the company’s board and executive team.
According to Dangote, arrangements are being finalised to enable individuals to purchase shares in the refinery within the next four to five months.
He explained that NNPC currently owns a 7.25 per cent stake in the refinery, which it holds on behalf of Nigerians. He added that the planned share offering would allow more citizens to directly participate in the project’s ownership structure.
Dangote also disclosed that prospective investors would have options regarding dividend payments. Because the refinery generates revenue in foreign currency, shareholders may choose to receive returns either in naira or in dollars.
Beyond share sales, the billionaire entrepreneur highlighted plans for closer cooperation between the refinery and NNPC. He said both organisations are exploring stronger operational ties and possible partnerships across different segments of the oil and gas industry.
He further hinted at potential collaboration in upstream activities, noting that discussions are ongoing and could result in joint ventures. Dangote emphasised that the refinery is designed as a broader industrial hub rather than just a fuel-processing facility.
In addition, he announced that new projects within the complex, including the production of linear alkylbenzene — a key ingredient in detergent manufacturing — are expected to position the facility as a major supplier across Africa. He stated that these expansions are projected to be completed within the next 30 months.
The move, he said, is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base while creating more opportunities for citizen participation in large-scale national investments.