The Dangote Group says it has achieved its first oil from its upstream assets and is preparing to begin marketable crude production in the coming weeks.
Vice-president of the Dangote Group, Devakumar Edwin, who disclosed this in an interview with Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, said early testing has commenced on crude from its Niger Delta licences.
He said the company has already begun standard well testing and is preparing to scale up output, adding that this should be completed in the next three to four weeks.
“After that point, oil can start to be pumped in larger volumes, and the company can begin work on drilling new wells,” Devakumar stated.
Also speaking, the CEO of Dangote’s upstream joint venture West African E&P, Olajumoke Ajayi, said the Dangote-backed upstream project is currently producing about 4,500 barrels per day (bpd) from the Kalaekule field on oil mining lease (OML) 72, following its long-awaited start-up in December 2025.
Ajayi said output is expected to ramp up to 15,000 bpd within the next month.
On his part, David Bird, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Dangote refinery, said the upstream assets could provide a more stable crude supply for the refinery.
“Alongside its upstream interests, the company is seeking to establish its own shipping presence to help reduce logistics costs and improve the reliability of its crude sourcing,” Bird said.
“Combined with WAEP’s indigenous production, Dangote-owned vessels could offer the refinery a fully integrated and attractive source of stable crude supply.”
He said the refinery will take delivery of the crude “if it makes sense”, noting that the company’s joint venture partners will be eager to realise maximum value for the barrels produced.
Dangote is said to hold an 85 percent stake in the upstream business, also known as WAEP, which in turn holds a 45 percent working interest in two oil licences — OML 71 and 72.
The balance is held by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, while WAEP’s minority stakeholder, First E&P, operates the assets.
