Dangote Refinery has announced plans to begin local production of key materials used in detergent manufacturing, a move expected to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports and support local industries.
The refinery said it will soon start producing cleaning agent, an essential ingredient used in making detergents and other cleaning products.
The announcement was made by David Bird, Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Refinery, during a news conference. According to him, the company has reached the final stage of discussions to install a Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) plant.
Bird explained that the refinery has almost concluded commercial terms with a technology licenser for the LAB plant. He noted that cleaning agent play a major role in detergent production, describing them as the component that creates bubbles during washing.
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He added that Dangote evaluates business opportunities based on population driven demand, noting that Nigeria and the wider West African region have a large and growing population that heavily relies on detergents and cleaning products.
Currently, Bird said, West Africa depends entirely on imported surfactants for detergent production. The planned LAB plant, he explained, is aimed at import substitution and reducing the region’s dependence on foreign raw materials.
Overall, the move is seen as a major boost for Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, with the potential to strengthen local production, create jobs, and support economic growth across the region.
