This massive expansion will increase DFL’s total annual urea granules production capacity from the current 2.65 million tons to over eight million tons.
Dangote Fertiliser Limited, a key player in Africa’s industrial landscape, has signed significant contracts with thyssenkrupp Uhde Fertilizer Technology (UFT) to license its cutting-edge UFT® Fluid Bed Granulation Technology. This agreement covers four new urea granulation trains, each with a substantial nameplate capacity of 4,235 metric tons per day (mtpd).
The new complexes will be strategically located in Lekki, Nigeria, adjacent to Dangote's two existing fertilizer complexes, which have successfully utilized the same UFT® technology since 2021 (with a capacity of 3,850 mtpd each). The inclusion of these four new trains will mark an exponential leap in DFL’s production, boosting its total annual urea granules output from approximately 2.65 million tons to more than eight million tons.
A central theme of this expansion is the commitment to efficient, low-emission production using advanced German technology. The scope of supply from UFT includes the technology license, the Process Design Package (PDP), and proprietary equipment such as granulators and scrubbers.
The new plants are designed to meet stringent global emission standards. They will be equipped with UFT's low-pressure drop scrubbing system, which incorporates both dust and ammonia scrubbing stages for superior environmental performance and energy efficiency.
Furthermore, the facilities will integrate UFT’s licensed Ammonia Convert Technology (ACT). This innovative process eliminates undesired side-streams from the ammonia scrubbing stage by integrating the ammonium sulphate bleed directly into the final urea granules, offering DFL commercial, logistical, and environmental advantages by minimizing waste.
The collaboration was hailed by both companies as a major step toward sustainable industrial growth and strengthening global food security, particularly in Africa.
Nadja Håkansson, CEO of thyssenkrupp Uhde, commented that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to sustainable growth. "With thyssenkrupp Uhde Fertilizer Technology’s proven UFT® Fluid Bed Granulation Technology we are setting new benchmarks for efficiency and environmental performance in fertilizer production. This collaboration underlines our role as a trusted partner and technology provider in delivering innovative technologies that drive the transformation toward more resilient and sustainable value chains in Africa and worldwide.”
Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, echoed this sentiment. “This project reinforces our commitment to driving agriculture self-sufficiency and industrial growth across Africa. With the UFT® Fluid Bed Granulation Technology, we are ensuring the production of premium urea fertilizer that meets international standards while minimizing environmental impact. This investment will further strengthen Nigeria’s position as a key fertilizer producer.”
