Dangote Group names David Bird as CEO of Refinery Division

Dangote Group has appointed David Bird, a former Shell executive and ex-CEO of Oman’s 0Q8 refinery, as the new chief executive of its refinery and petrochemical division, effective August 1, 2025. The move, first reported by Nigeria’s Business Day, aligns with the conglomerate’s ambitious pan-African expansion strategy.

Bird brings over 30 years of industry experience, including 14 years at Shell, where he led the $12 billion Prelude FLNG project. His appointment comes as Dangote’s $20 billion Lagos refinery, the world’s largest single-train facility, scales up operations following its January 2024 commissioning.

The refinery, which exported 220,000 barrels per day in July—primarily jet fuel and gasoil, per S&P Global’s Commodities at Sea Data—aims to boost capacity to 700,000 bpd.

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Despite progress, the facility has encountered challenges, including design flaws and operational upsets, prompting a shift to a more diverse crude slate.

In a LinkedIn post, Bird emphasized his focus on improving efficiency and expanding Dangote’s presence across Africa. The group also plans to list its refining business on the Lagos and London stock exchanges, though no timeline has been confirmed.

Additionally, Dangote is advancing its logistics capabilities, seeking regulatory approval for a deep-sea port in Ogun state and planning to launch a compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered truck fleet to enhance domestic distribution.

Chairman Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest individual, continues to drive the group’s vision to strengthen Nigeria’s energy sector and establish a robust footprint across the continent.