Dangote Refinery drives significant growth in Nigerian port throughput

The Dangote Refinery has emerged as a primary driver of maritime activity in Nigeria. According to figures from the Nigerian Ports Authority, cargo linked to the refinery accounted for an estimated 30.4% of the nation’s total port throughput during the first half of 2026.

At the Lekki deep-sea port, refinery-related operations represented approximately 76% of the facility’s total tonnage. The refinery, which has an initial processing capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is expected to require significant maritime support, with Dangote Industries previously estimating a need for roughly 240 crude oil tankers and 600 refined-product vessels annually.

In addition to the Dangote Refinery, Nigeria’s modular refining sector is projected to expand. Seven new modular refineries are expected to begin operations in 2027, adding a combined capacity of 83,000 barrels per day to the domestic supply. This expansion follows the current operation of four modular refineries that provide a combined 32,000 barrels per day.