Dangote Group Records First Oil From Upstream Assets, Eyes Marketable Crude Production

The Dangote Group has achieved first oil from its upstream petroleum assets and is preparing to begin marketable crude production in the coming weeks. The milestone represents a major step toward energy self-sufficiency for Africa’s largest refinery.

Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Dangote’s oil and gas division, announced the development in an interview with S&P Global’s Platts. Initial testing from the company’s Niger Delta licences is underway and should conclude within three to four weeks.

The company is currently producing about 4,500 barrels per day from the Kalaekule field on Oil Mining Lease 72, following a delayed start-up in December 2025. Production is projected to rise to 15,000 barrels per day within weeks, according to Olajumoke Ajayi, CEO of West African Exploration and Production.

Dangote holds an 85 per cent stake in WAEP, which has a 45 per cent working interest in OML 71 and 72. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited holds the remaining stake, while First E&P operates the assets.

The upstream push aims to secure reliable crude supply for the 650,000 barrels per day refining complex near Lagos. However, officials note the oilfields will supply only a fraction of the refinery’s needs even at peak production of 43,000 barrels per day by 2036.

Sources: Premium Times, Arise News, MoneyCentral