State-owned Engineers India Ltd (EIL) has secured a contract valued at over USD 350 million to manage the next phase of expansion at Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex, one of the world’s largest energy infrastructure projects. The contract marks a significant international win for the Indian engineering consultancy and reinforces its long-standing association with the Dangote Group.
Under the agreement, EIL will act as both Project Management Consultant (PMC) and Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) consultant for the expansion. This is a repeat engagement, as EIL had earlier played a similar role during the development of the original refinery complex.
Expansion Under Train 2 to Nearly Double Crude Capacity
The Dangote Group, Nigeria’s largest conglomerate headquartered in Lagos, plans to substantially scale up the refinery under its Train 2 expansion programme. The project will increase crude oil processing capacity from the current 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day, positioning the facility among the largest refining operations globally.
Once completed, the expanded refinery will produce Euro VI-grade fuels, representing a further upgrade in product quality. The move aligns with global fuel quality standards and is expected to support cleaner and more efficient fuel consumption across regional markets.
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Major Boost Planned for Petrochemical Output
Beyond refining capacity, the expansion will significantly enhance petrochemical production at the complex, particularly polypropylene. Existing polypropylene capacity of 830 kilo tonnes per annum is set to rise sharply to 2.4 million metric tonnes per annum.
This increase will be achieved through multiple measures, including the revamp of the existing polypropylene unit, the installation of a new 1.2 million metric tonnes per annum polypropylene unit, and the addition of a world-scale 750 kilo tonnes per annum UOP Oleflex unit. The Oleflex unit will strengthen propylene feedstock availability, supporting higher downstream output and improving integration within the petrochemical chain.
Track Record at Africa’s Largest Refinery
EIL previously served as PMC and EPCM consultant for the 650,000 barrels-per-day integrated refinery and petrochemical complex located at the Lekki Free Zone. The single-train facility was commissioned in 2024 and is recognised as the world’s largest single-train refinery.
The complex produces Euro-V quality gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and polypropylene and has been widely regarded as a landmark development for Africa’s energy and industrial landscape. Its commissioning marked a major step toward reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products.
Strategic Impact on Energy Security
The new expansion is expected to elevate the Dangote complex to the position of the world’s largest petroleum refinery. It is also set to play a critical role in strengthening fuel production capacity across Africa, reducing import dependence and improving regional energy security.
By increasing both refining and petrochemical output at a single location, the project is expected to generate economies of scale and enhance supply stability for domestic and neighbouring markets.
Confidence in Indian Engineering Expertise
EIL, which operates under India’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said the latest contract reflects sustained confidence in its engineering and project management capabilities. “The latest expansion further reinforces Nigeria’s mission to become a regional hub for refined petroleum products and petrochemicals,” the company said.
The firm added that it will leverage its extensive experience across oil and gas, refining, petrochemicals, fertilisers, metallurgy, infrastructure and renewable energy to execute the project. With the Train 2 expansion, the Dangote complex is expected to rank among the largest refinery and petrochemical installations at a single location anywhere in the world.
The contract also highlights the growing global footprint of Indian public sector engineering firms in large-scale energy and infrastructure projects, particularly in emerging markets.
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