The Dangote Group has appointed David Bird, a former executive of Shell and erstwhile CEO of the OQ8 refinery in Oman, as the new Chief Executive of its refining and petrochemicals business. The decision, which took effect from 1 August 2025, signals a strategic pivot in the company’s operational and leadership approach as it seeks to consolidate its influence within Africa’s evolving energy sector.
Bird, who brings over 30 years of experience in the global energy industry, spent 14 years at Shell where he oversaw several high-value projects, including the $12 billion Prelude Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) facility, once considered the largest floating structure ever built. His appointment was initially reported by Business Day Nigeria and later confirmed by Dangote Group via official channels.
The appointment coincides with the post-commissioning scale-up of the company’s $20 billion refinery complex situated in Lekki, Lagos. This refinery, described as the world’s largest single-train refining facility, commenced operations in January 2024. Although output has steadily increased, the facility has faced a range of technical and operational challenges. According to individuals familiar with the matter, issues such as design inefficiencies and mechanical upsets in some processing units have necessitated modifications in crude sourcing strategies, including diversification away from a single-grade supply.
In a professional update shared on LinkedIn, Bird emphasised his commitment to improving operational efficiency while advancing the refinery’s regional footprint. His leadership will likely play a critical role in guiding the company through its next phase, which includes infrastructural expansion and product diversification.
Recent data provided by S&P Global’s Commodities at Sea platform indicate that Dangote exported approximately 220,000 barrels per day (bpd) of petroleum products in July 2025, with jet fuel and gasoil being the primary export products. The company has declared intentions to raise the facility’s production capacity to 700,000 bpd, reinforcing its ambitions of positioning Nigeria as a refined fuels export hub.
The Dangote Group has also signalled a move towards sustainable and domestically anchored distribution models. Plans are underway to introduce a compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered truck fleet, aimed at enhancing inland logistics while reducing carbon emissions associated with fuel transport.
In a broader infrastructural context, Aliko Dangote, the Group Chairman and Africa’s wealthiest individual, has submitted regulatory filings for the development of a deep-sea port in Ogun State. This project is expected to support the logistics network underpinning the refinery and complement existing port facilities in Lagos.
Additionally, the Group has announced preliminary plans to list its refining and petrochemical operations on both the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE), although a specific timeline for the dual listing has not yet been disclosed.
As the refinery progresses through the stabilisation phase, analysts view Bird’s leadership as a potentially stabilising force capable of aligning technical expertise with commercial strategy. With energy demand across the continent on the rise, Dangote’s expanded regional strategy under new stewardship will be watched closely by industry observers and policymakers alike.
