Nigeria’s Dangote Group has named David Bird, former CEO of Oman’s Duqm refinery, as the new chief executive of its petroleum and petrochemicals division, effective July 2025.

The appointment, reported by S&P Global, comes as the company works to resolve operational hurdles and accelerate expansion following the launch of its 650,000 barrels-per-day Lagos refinery — the world’s largest single-train facility — in 2024.

Aliko Dangote, founder of the conglomerate, will remain chairman of the refining business and CEO of the wider group, which has interests in cement, fertilizers, and sugar refining.

Bird previously led OQ8, operator of the Duqm refinery, where he oversaw its early ramp-up and diversification of feedstock.

His appointment signals Dangote’s push to optimise output and expand its market reach beyond Nigeria.

In comments to S&P Global’s Platts, Bird said his mandate includes strengthening operational efficiency and positioning the company as a competitive player across Africa and the global fuels market.

His arrival follows technical challenges and delays in refining operations attributed to “design issues” and what Dangote executives have described as a tough operating environment.