Dangote Fertilizer, Thyssenkrupp to Build Four New Urea Plants in Lekki

Dangote Fertilizer Limited (DFL) has entered a strategic partnership with Thyssenkrupp Uhde Fertilizer Technology (UFT), a subsidiary of Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Uhde, to construct four new urea granulation plants in Lekki, Lagos State. The development marks one of Nigeria’s most significant fertilizer expansion projects and strengthens the nation’s growing reputation as a global hub for agricultural inputs.

Under the agreement, UFT will provide its Fluid Bed Granulation Technology, a Process Design Package , and proprietary equipment, including granulators and scrubbers essential to large-scale fertilizer production. Each of the four units will have a capacity of 4,235 metric tons per day, totaling 16,940 metric tons daily. Once operational, Dangote Fertilizer’s annual urea output will rise from 2.65 million tons to more than 8 million tons, placing Nigeria among the world’s leading urea producers.

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The new facilities will be situated adjacent to the existing Dangote Fertilizer complex in the Lekki Free Zone, which has been in operation since 2021 and currently produces 3,850 metric tons per day using the same UFT technology. The expansion aims to boost Africa’s fertilizer supply chain while generating export revenues for Nigeria.

According to the companies, the new facilities will feature energy-efficient scrubbing systems that reduce emissions and minimize pressure loss during production. These systems will control dust and ammonia emissions in line with international environmental standards. The plants will also incorporate Ammonia Convert Technology (ACT), an innovation that transforms ammonium sulfate byproducts into usable urea granules. This approach not only reduces waste but also enhances cost efficiency and supports Dangote’s circular economy and sustainability goals.

Nadja Haakansson, CEO of Thyssenkrupp Uhde, hailed the collaboration as a milestone for Africa’s industrial transformation. “This partnership with Dangote Fertilizer reflects a shared commitment to sustainable development and food security. By deploying our UFT Fluid Bed Granulation Technology, we are setting new standards for efficiency and environmental stewardship in fertilizer production,” she said.

Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Industries Limited, emphasized that the project aligns with Africa’s push toward agricultural self-sufficiency. “This collaboration strengthens our drive to enhance productivity, industrialize agriculture, and ensure the availability of high-quality fertilizer across Africa. It also underscores our commitment to environmental responsibility and global best practices,” Dangote noted.

Industry experts project that the expansion will transform Nigeria into a fertilizer export hub, supporting millions of farmers while creating thousands of jobs in engineering, logistics, and agricultural services. The project also reinforces Nigeria’s ambition to diversify its economy beyond oil, positioning the country as a reliable supplier of agro-industrial products across Africa and beyond.

Thyssenkrupp’s UFT Fluid Bed Granulation Technology is among the most widely used systems in the world, responsible for over 70% of global urea granule output. Known for its durability and energy efficiency, the technology ensures consistent product quality while maintaining low emission levels. The adoption of this technology highlights Dangote Fertilizer’s focus on quality assurance and environmental performance, as it continues to expand production for both local and export markets.

This partnership follows Dangote’s $2.5 billion fertilizer deal with the Ethiopian government signed in August 2025 to establish a plant in the country’s eastern Somali region. Dangote Group will hold a 60% stake, while Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH) owns 40%. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the deal as a transformative step for his nation’s agriculture sector. “This project will create jobs, ensure fertilizer availability for our farmers, and advance Ethiopia’s journey toward food sovereignty,” Ahmed said.

Dangote Fertilizer Limited remains one of Africa’s largest producers of granular urea, supporting food security and boosting productivity across the continent. With the addition of four new plants, the company is set to triple its capacity, reduce fertilizer imports, and expand exports to key markets in Africa, Asia, and South America. As global food demand rises, this partnership stands as a defining step in Africa’s path toward sustainable industrialization, agricultural transformation, and economic resilience.