Dangote Refinery has revealed plans to soon begin producing surfactants, a key ingredient in detergent manufacturing, marking a significant step towards reducing Nigeria's reliance on imports and boosting local industry.
David Bird, Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Refinery, announced during a news conference on Wednesday that commercial terms have been finalized for the installation of a Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) plant. This facility will produce surfactants essential for household cleaning products, personal hygiene items, and surface cleaners.
"We'll be building an LAB plant in order to make the surfactant and hopefully stimulate a lot more local manufacturing of detergents," Bird stated, emphasizing the potential to lower costs for consumers and manufacturers while conserving foreign exchange.
This initiative aligns with Dangote Refinery's broader expansion into petrochemicals, following the recent start of polypropylene production, which supports various industries including plastics and packaging.
The move is expected to enhance Nigeria's self-sufficiency in essential materials, create jobs, and foster economic growth in the manufacturing sector.
The refinery, Africa's largest single-train facility with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, continues to drive industrialization through innovative projects and partnerships, such as the recent collaboration with Japan's Mitsui Chemicals for global petrochemical expansion.