Dangote Appoints David Bird as CEO of Its Petroleum & Petrochemicals Division
Lagos, Nigeria – August 2, 2025
Nigeria’s Dangote Group has named David Bird, a former Shell executive and former CEO of Oman’s Duqm refinery (OQ8), as the new Chief Executive Officer of its Refinery and Petrochemicals business, effective July 2025.
About David Bird: Seasoned Industry Leader
Bird brings over 30 years of experience in the global energy sector, including a 14-year tenure with Shell where he oversaw the $12 billion Prelude FLNG project. He also led the startup and expansion of the Duqm refinery in Oman.
Opportunity & Challenge Ahead
The appointment coincides with a critical phase in the ramp-up of Dangote’s $20 billion refinery complex—currently the world’s largest single-train facility, commissioned in January 2024. The refinery, which currently runs at 650,000 barrels per day (b/d), has faced operational issues including design flaws and unit upsets, leading to a pivot toward a more diversified crude slate.
Bird’s mandate includes maximizing refinery efficiency, output, and positioning the business as a continental energy leader. He also aims to drive Dangote’s strategic expansion across Africa.
Strategic Vision & Growth Plans
In a LinkedIn post, Bird emphasized his priority to boost plant performance while expanding operations beyond Nigeria. Dangote plans to increase the refinery’s capacity to 700,000 bpd, roll out a 4,000‑truck CNG-powered distribution network, develop a deep-sea port in Ogun State, and list the business on both the Lagos and London stock exchanges—though no timeline has yet been given.
