Dangote Contracts SAIPEM, EIL, Others For Fertiliser Expansion In Nigeria, Ethiopia
By Sunday Etuka
Dangote Group has announced a series of strategic technical partnerships to support the next phase of expansion of its fertiliser operations in Nigeria, as well as the development of new fertiliser plants in Ethiopia.
The Group, in a statement on Thursday said the collaborations mark a significant step in the company’s long-term plan to strengthen regional food security, enhance agricultural productivity, and deepen Africa’s position in the global fertiliser market.
The Group explained that through the strategic partnerships, it would increase its urea production capacity in Nigeria from the current three million metric tons to nine million metric tons annually.
“The existing facility operates two trains with a combined capacity of three million metric tons. The expansion will introduce four additional trains, enabling the Group to meet the rising demand for high quality fertiliser across Africa and global markets,” the statement said.
In addition to the Nigerian expansion, the Group recently held the groundbreaking ceremony for a $2.5bn fertiliser plant in Gode, Ethiopia.
“The facility is designed to produce three million metric tons of urea annually and represents a significant step in Dangote Group’s commitment to strengthening food security and industrial growth across the continent,” it added.
The Group explained that Topsoe would provide ammonia technology licensing and complete process design packages for six ammonia plants. Adding that four of these plants would be located in Nigeria and two in Ethiopia.
Topsoe is recognised globally for advanced ammonia process technologies that support efficient and environmentally responsible production.
It also disclosed that Saipem would deliver technology licensing and the full process design package for urea melt units across all six plants.
This, according to Group, includes four units in Nigeria and two in Ethiopia. Saying that Saipem brings deep engineering expertise and decades of experience in fertiliser production systems.
In addition, the Group disclosed that Thyssenkrupp’s UFT division would supply the granulation technology license and complete process design package for granulation units in the six fertiliser plants. This, it said would support the production of premium quality urea granules suited for domestic and international markets.
Meanwhile, it said that the Engineers India Limited has been appointed as project management consultant and engineering procurement and construction management consultant for the four fertiliser plants being developed by DFFZE in Lekki, Nigeria. Noting that the Engineers India brings proven competence in large scale industrial engineering and project delivery.
“These partnerships reflect Dangote Group’s commitment to delivering high quality industrial assets that meet the most rigorous global standards. The planned expansion will significantly increase regional urea and ammonia production capacity, create new jobs, support agricultural value chains, and contribute to sustainable economic growth in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and across the continent.
“Dangote Group remains fully dedicated to building resilient industrial capacity, supporting national development priorities, and forging strong global collaborations that advance Africa’s long-term prosperity,” the statement said.
