By Ayomide Otitoju
Locally produced polypropylene from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has been hailed as a breakthrough for Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, following its showcase at PROPAK West Africa 2025, the region’s premier packaging, plastics, printing, and processing exhibition.
The product, unveiled at the 12th edition of the annual event in Lagos, drew acclaim from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), event organisers, and global industry stakeholders. They described the development as a milestone capable of reshaping domestic and international supply chains.
Produced at the Dangote complex in Lagos, the polypropylene marks the end of Nigeria’s reliance on imports of the critical raw material, which currently accounts for about 90% of local demand. With an annual capacity of 830,000 metric tonnes, the plant — the largest in Africa — is expected to close Nigeria’s supply gap and position the country as a net exporter.
Dr. Segun Alabi, Assistant Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications at MAN, said the association is ready to partner with Dangote to accelerate market adoption.
“Polypropylene is vital for many of our members. With Dangote producing in surplus, demand can now be met locally and internationally. This will ease the burden on importers and provide a new source of foreign exchange,” Alabi said.
Event organisers also praised Dangote’s participation. George Pearson, Regional Director for West Africa at Montgomery Group Afrocet, said the brand’s involvement elevated the exhibition.
“Dangote is not just an exhibitor but a partner and sponsor. Its presence brings prestige and signals a shift toward reduced imports, stronger naira, and a more competitive manufacturing base,” Pearson noted.
International partners highlighted the global implications. Shridhar Krishnamurthy, General Manager of Export Operations (Nigeria) at Vinmar International LLC, described the development as “transformational.”
“The new polypropylene is already attracting global interest. Plastic producers are eager to collaborate with Dangote. Africa now has a reliable supplier ready to compete globally,” he said.
Since operations began in March 2025, Dangote’s polypropylene has been supplied locally in 25kg bags and is primed for international markets through a partnership with Vinmar Group, a leading petrochemical distributor.
Industry analysts project that the global polypropylene market will grow by more than 25 million metric tonnes by 2030. With Dangote’s entry, Nigeria is now positioned to play a central role in shaping that growth.
