Dangote Group has named David Bird, former CEO of Oman’s Duqm refinery, as the new chief executive of its petroleum and petrochemicals division in a bid to address operational challenges and drive its next growth phase.
Bird officially assumed his role in July 2025, taking charge of Dangote’s fuels and petrochemicals business, which launched the world’s largest single-train refinery last year.
Aliko Dangote, founder of the conglomerate, remains chairman of the refining arm and CEO of the overall group, which spans sectors including cement, fertilizer, and sugar.
Bird’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to leverage his experience at OQ8, where he oversaw the Duqm refinery’s expansion and crude diversification just before its 2023 test runs, S&P Global reported.
In written comments to Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, Bird stated his priority at Dangote would be advancing the group’s footprint beyond the Nigerian market and across the African continent. He also noted on LinkedIn that his role involves ensuring maximum output and efficiency for the refinery while positioning the group as a global refining leader.
The move comes amid setbacks at the 650,000 barrels-per-day (b/d) Lagos refinery, which has faced multiple operational hiccups and “design issues” that have hampered its ramp-up. The business has also cited an unfriendly regulatory environment as a barrier to operations.
Since commissioning in January 2024, the refinery has made a significant impact on Nigeria’s energy market by slashing gasoline imports. However, Aliko Dangote has previously condemned “rent-seeking” trade practices and low-quality fuel imports for straining the plant’s progress.
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