Dangote Fertiliser Expands With German Technology Partnership
In a significant move for Nigeria's agricultural and industrial sectors, Dangote Fertiliser Limited (DFL) has entered a strategic partnership with German engineering firm thyssenkrupp Uhde Fertiliser Technology (UFT) to construct four new urea granulation plants in Lagos. The deal, signed in November 2025, represents a major expansion of Nigeria's fertiliser production capacity and reinforces the country's position in global food production chains.
Technical Details and Environmental Benefits
The collaboration will see the German company provide proprietary licensing of granulation technology, comprehensive process design packages, and specialised equipment for the new facilities. All four plants will be situated in the Lekki area, adjacent to Dangote's existing fertiliser complex. Each facility is designed to produce 4,235 metric tons of urea per day, utilizing advanced, environmentally friendly technology that sets new standards for the industry.
According to thyssenkrupp Uhde, the new system incorporates energy-efficient operations and features advanced scrubbing systems that significantly reduce emissions while recovering waste ammonia. The facilities will integrate Ammonia Convert Technology (ACT) to transform by-products into usable materials, effectively minimizing waste and lowering production costs. This approach aligns with global sustainability standards while maintaining competitive operational efficiency.
Economic Impact and Market Positioning
The expansion project will dramatically increase Dangote's fertiliser production capacity from the current 2.65 million tons to over 8 million tons annually. This substantial boost comes at a time when Nigeria's fertiliser exports are already showing remarkable growth. Official data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicates that Nigeria exported urea worth N856 billion in the first quarter of 2025 alone, accounting for 4.15% of the country's total exports and representing a fourfold increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Nadja Haakansson, Chief Executive Officer of thyssenkrupp Uhde, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership, stating that it would strengthen Nigeria's role in global food production while promoting sustainable industrial practices. She confirmed that their proven UFT fluid bed granulation technology would set new benchmarks for efficiency and environmental stewardship in fertiliser manufacturing.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, reiterated the company's commitment to agricultural self-sufficiency and industrial growth across Africa. He emphasized that the UFT technology would ensure the production of high-quality urea fertiliser meeting global standards while reducing environmental impact. This investment further solidifies Nigeria's position as a leading fertiliser producer on the continent.
The expansion in Lagos coincides with Dangote Group's parallel project in Ethiopia, where construction began in August 2025 on a $2.5 billion urea fertiliser plant in Gode. That facility, developed in partnership with Ethiopian Investment Holdings, is expected to have a production capacity of three million metric tonnes annually, positioning it among the largest fertiliser complexes worldwide. These simultaneous developments underscore Dangote Group's strategic vision for transforming Africa's agricultural landscape through increased fertiliser availability and advanced production technologies.
