British Executive David Bird Named Ceo Of Aliko Dangote's 20 Billion Refinery

David Bird named CEO of 20 billion Dangote refinery, bringing decades of Shell and Omani refining experience to Africas largest single-train facility.

Dangote plans to list the refinery, opening investment to Nigerians and institutional partners in a bid for broader ownership and capital access.

Output hits 500,000 barrels per day, with plans to reach 700,000 as Nigeria reduces fuel imports and strengthens its energy independence.

British executive David Bird has been named Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, the 20 billion facility owned by Africas richest man, Aliko Dangote. The appointment marks a major step as Dangote looks to scale up operations and cement the refinerys place in Africas energy landscape.

Bird brings decades of experience to the role. He previously served as CEO of OQ8, a 230,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Oman. Before that, he spent 14 years with Shell, including a stint as Vice President of Prelude FLNG, a 12 billion floating liquefied natural gas facility tied to Shells Australian assets.

Most recently, Bird helped guide the Duqm refinery in Oman through its commissioning phase and into test operations in 2023. Now, hes taking on one of the biggest jobs in global refiningoverseeing the worlds largest single-train refinery and steering its petroleum and petrochemical operations. A key part of his role will be navigating ongoing production challenges while preparing the business for its next phase.

His appointment comes as Dangote looks to broaden the refinerys reach and take it public . Speaking at the Global Commodity Insights Conference in Abuja, hosted by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and S P Global, Dangote confirmed the plan.

Very soon, the refinery will be listed to give all Nigerians the opportunity to become shareholders, he said. We are open to partnerships with African governments, private investors, and regional institutions. Our vision is simple but ambitious.