In a bold move that signals a new chapter for Africa’s energy landscape, the Dangote Refinery in Lagos, Nigeria, has appointed David Bird, a seasoned oil and gas executive with over two decades at Shell, as its new Chief Executive Officer.
The announcement, made earlier today via a post on X by@NigeriaStorie, marks a strategic pivot for the $20 billion facility as it seeks to overcome operational hurdles and cement its status as the continent’s largest refinery.
A Game-Changer at the Helm
David Bird’s appointment, effective from July 2025, brings a wealth of international expertise to the table. With a mechanical engineering degree from Imperial College London and an MBA from Stanford University, Bird has a proven track record of leading complex projects. His resume boasts a 14-year stint at Shell, where he oversaw the $12 billion Prelude Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) facility—the world’s first of its kind—and served as head of operations at Shell’s largest refinery in Pulau Bukom, Singapore. Most recently, he led Oman’s Duqm Refinery to operational success, a role that showcased his ability to navigate diverse crude slates and boost efficiency.
This hire comes at a critical juncture for the Dangote Refinery, which began operations in January 2024 with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day—the largest single-train refinery globally. Despite its ambitious start, the facility has faced challenges, including design flaws and inconsistent crude supply from Nigeria, where theft and vandalism have slashed production to 1.3 million barrels daily against a potential 1.8 million (EIA, 2025). As a result, the refinery has turned to imports from Brazil and the U.S., a pragmatic shift that Bird is expected to optimize.
Why This Matters for Nigeria and Beyond
Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and the driving force behind the refinery, retains his role as chairman while handing the operational reins to Bird. This decision underscores a strategic focus on scaling production and addressing Nigeria’s chronic fuel import dependency. The refinery, located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, aims to meet 100% of Nigeria’s gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel needs while exporting surplus to West Africa and beyond. Bird’s mandate includes expanding capacity to 700,000 barrels daily by 2028 and preparing for a landmark stock exchange listing on the London and Lagos exchanges by 2026—a move that could open ownership to millions of Nigerians.
A Vision for Africa’s Energy Future
In a LinkedIn update cited by S&P Global, Bird outlined his vision: to expand Dangote’s footprint across Africa, drive maximum output, and position the company as a global leader. This aligns with Dangote’s broader ambition to transform Nigeria into a refining powerhouse, reducing the $20 billion annual cost of fuel imports—a burden that has strained the economy amid fluctuating oil prices.
As the refinery gears up for nationwide fuel distribution starting August 2025—a plan met with resistance from local marketers—Bird’s leadership will be tested. His experience in operational efficiency and market integration could turn the facility into a financial juggernaut, potentially redefining Africa’s energy narrative.What’s Next?With Bird at the helm, all eyes are on the Dangote Refinery to deliver on its promise. Will this international hire unlock the facility’s full potential, or will local challenges persist? Stay tuned to Big Stuff Media GH for updates as this story unfolds.