Dangote Group has appointed David Bird as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its petroleum and petrochemicals division in a bid to address operational challenges and drive its next growth phase.
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David Bird, former CEO of Oman’s Duqm refinery, officially assumed his role in July 2025.
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 brings a wealth of experience, having overseen the Duqm refinery’s expansion and crude diversification just before its 2023 test runs.
The CEO move comes amid setbacks at the 650,000 barrels-per-day (b/d) refinery, which has faced multiple operational hiccups and “design issues” that have hampered its ramp-up.
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.
Dangote Group is planning to expand the refinery’s capacity to 700,000 b/d, enhance port infrastructure, and develop overseas storage facilities in countries such as Namibia. In August, it is set to roll out its own distribution business with a fleet of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks.
The Group Executives have also confirmed plans to list the refining arm on both the London and Lagos stock exchanges.
Nnamdi Maduakor is a Writer, Investor and Entrepreneur
