Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, received a significant boost for his fertiliser plant today as Shell and its partners announced a final investment decision to build a dedicated gas supply facility. The $2.5 billion Dangote Fertiliser and Petrochemical Plant, the largest urea complex in Africa, will receive 100 million standard cubic feet of gas per day from the Iseni field for 10 years.
“This agreement is a critical step in pursuing the development of the gas-rich Iseni field,” said Shell’s Nigeria chief, Osagie Okunbor. “It will increase the delivery of gas to the domestic market and help stimulate economic growth.”
The deal, involving Shell, TotalEnergies, Eni, and the state oil firm NNPC Ltd., underscores Nigeria’s efforts to leverage its vast gas reserves (over 200 trillion cubic feet) to boost industries, power plants, and exports. The Dangote plant itself already accounts for 65% of Nigeria’s fertiliser needs and has the potential to supply the entire sub-region.
