Dangote Refinery Taps Ex-Shell, OQ8 Boss as New CEO

In a strategic move to address operational challenges and accelerate growth, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has appointed David Bird, a seasoned international oil and gas executive, as its new Chief Executive Officer. Bird, the former head of Oman’s Duqm Refinery, takes over from Devakumar V. G. Edwin, effective July 2025.

The leadership transition was confirmed in an internal memo from Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, and later reported by S&P Global. Bird’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for the $20 billion refinery, which has faced technical setbacks and supply chain hurdles since its commissioning last year.

A Proven Leader for a Mega Project

With 25 years of experience spanning upstream, LNG, refining, and integrated operations, Bird brings a wealth of expertise to Africa’s largest refinery. His career includes two decades at Shell, where he held key leadership roles across the Netherlands, France, South Africa, Singapore, the U.S., and Australia. He later served as CEO of OQ8, a major joint venture between Oman Oil Company and Kuwait Petroleum International, overseeing one of the Middle East’s most complex refinery projects.

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Bird’s academic credentials—a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College London and an MBA from Stanford University—further solidify his technical and strategic qualifications. In a statement, Aliko Dangote expressed confidence that Bird’s leadership would drive the refinery toward operational excellence and long-term value creation.

Overcoming Challenges

The refinery, designed as the world’s largest single-train facility with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, has encountered delays due to design issues and operational disruptions. Despite beginning diesel and aviation fuel deliveries, the facility has yet to achieve full-scale production, with gasoline output now expected by late 2025.

Industry analysts view Bird’s appointment as a decisive step to stabilize operations, optimize crude supply logistics, and navigate Nigeria’s challenging business environment. His experience in managing large-scale refineries and LNG projects positions him to address the refinery’s most pressing hurdles, including securing consistent crude feedstock and mitigating policy-related risks.

Strategic Implications

The Dangote Refinery is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s push for energy self-sufficiency, with the potential to eliminate the country’s $10 billion annual fuel imports and position it as a major exporter of refined products. Success hinges on Bird’s ability to streamline operations, resolve technical bottlenecks, and foster stronger partnerships with global oil traders and local distributors.

As the refinery enters its next phase, stakeholders will be watching closely to see if Bird’s leadership can deliver on its promise to transform Africa’s energy landscape. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the facility can meet its production targets and solidify its role as a game-changer in global oil markets.

Next Steps

• Bird is expected to conduct an operational review in August 2025.

• Gasoline production remains on track for Q4 2025.

• Full operational capacity is targeted for 2026.

With a seasoned executive at the helm, the Dangote Refinery is poised to enter a new era—but the road ahead remains fraught with challenges that will test even the most experienced leadership.