Africa’s largest oil refinery, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals in the Republic of Nigeria, has appointed David Bird as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in a move seen as a strategic step in company’s push to accelerate its pan-African growth agenda.
Bird, whose appointment took effect on August 1, brings over 30 years of industry experience, including a 14-year tenure as an executive at Shell, where he oversaw the $12 billion Prelude Floating LNG project.
He had previously served as CEO of the Q8 Refinery in Oman. The move comes at a time when the refinery is striving to surmount production challenges and advance its expansion plans, which include nationwide distribution of fuel in Nigeria—a scheme already facing significant pushback.
As Vice-President of Prelude FLNG at Shell, he led the world’s first floating LNG facility and chaired Shell Australia’s RAP board. The oil and gas professional also served as Head of Operations at Pulau Bukom in Singapore, Shell’s largest refinery.
Commenting on his latest appointment, Bird said his focus would be on expanding the group’s footprint beyond the Nigerian market and across the African continent. He added that he would be responsible for driving maximum output and operational efficiency to position the company as a global market leader.
The 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) capacity refinery was inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2023.
On January 12, 2024, the refinery announced the commencement of diesel and aviation fuel production following the delivery of its sixth one-million-barrel crude cargo.
The plant confirmed the start of petrol production on September 3, 2024, stating that the product meets global quality standards.
The refinery later announced an exclusive partnership with Premier Product Marketing LLC to export its polypropylene to global markets.
By August 15, 2025, Dangote refinery is expected to begin distributing fuel to end-users using 4000 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks.
Dangote also plans to list its refining business on the Lagos and London stock exchanges, although it has not given a timeframe.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
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