Dangote Refinery appoints ex-Shell executive  as new CEO amid expansion push

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has named David Bird as the chief executive officer of its petroleum and petrochemicals division, effective July 2025, according to a report by S&P Global.

Bird’s arrival comes as the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery works to overcome production hurdles and push forward with its nationwide fuel distribution initiative — an effort already facing resistance in some quarters.

An insider said that Bird brings extensive industry experience to the role.“He is a mechanical engineer. A graduate of Imperial College, London. He has an MBA from Sandford University,” the source said.

Aliko Dangote will remain chairman of the refining arm while continuing as CEO of the parent conglomerate, Dangote Industries Limited, which has operations in cement, fertiliser, and sugar.

Bird’s résumé includes leadership positions across global energy markets. He previously headed Oman’s Duqm refinery and served as SVP of production operations and supply chain at Santos Ltd. At Shell, he was vice-president of Prelude FLNG, overseeing the world’s first floating LNG facility, and chaired Shell Australia’s RAP board. He also led operations at Pulau Bukom in Singapore, Shell’s largest refinery.

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In a statement on his appointment, Bird highlighted his priorities for the role. He said his focus would be on expanding the group’s footprint beyond the Nigerian market and across the African continent.

On LinkedIn, in remarks cited by S&P, he noted he would work to maximise output and operational efficiency to position the company as a global energy leader.

The refinery has been steadily ramping up its operations since its inauguration by former President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2023. Diesel and aviation fuel production began in January 2024 after the arrival of its sixth one-million-barrel crude shipment. Petrol output followed in September 2024, with the company stating its products met international quality standards.

In addition, the refinery entered into an exclusive deal with US-based Premier Product Marketing LLC to export polypropylene to global markets outside Africa.

The facility is now preparing for the next milestone: the distribution of fuel to end-users starting August 15, deploying 4,000 compressed natural gas-powered trucks for the rollout.