New Platform to Improve Refining Efficiency, Strengthen Nigerian Engineering Workforce
LAGOS, Nigeria — Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals is set to become the first industrial facility to deploy Honeywell Technologies’ new artificial intelligence platform, with the technology projected to generate more than $60 million in annual gross operational benefits at full refining capacity.
The platform, known as Forge Plant Cognition, combines Honeywell’s process engineering expertise with NVIDIA’s artificial intelligence capabilities and Dell Technologies’ computing infrastructure to improve refining efficiency, production output and operational reliability.
According to Honeywell, preliminary assessments indicate that the technology could deliver operational benefits exceeding 29 cents per barrel processed at the refinery’s full capacity. However, the company noted that the projection is specific to the facility and subject to actual operating conditions.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, David Bird, said the decision to adopt the technology reflects the company’s commitment to innovation, operational excellence and the development of Nigerian engineering talent.
Bird explained that the platform would help optimise refinery performance, unlock greater value from operations and equip local engineers with advanced technological capabilities.
Forge Plant Cognition is designed to analyse real-time plant data alongside engineering knowledge and physics-based models. This will enable refinery personnel to identify production bottlenecks, detect potential equipment problems early and take corrective action before disruptions occur.
The system is expected to focus on improving refining margins, reducing unplanned downtime and making specialised engineering expertise more accessible to operators.
President of Honeywell Technologies UOP, Rajesh Gattupalli, described the collaboration as an important demonstration of how artificial intelligence can transform complex industrial operations by improving productivity, reliability and profitability.
Beyond operational gains, the initiative is expected to support Dangote Refinery’s ambition to build a workforce comprising more than 70 per cent Nigerians, while gradually reducing dependence on external technical expertise.
By integrating advanced AI technology into its operations, the refinery aims to strengthen its competitiveness, improve production value and develop the technical skills of Nigerian engineers and operators.
The deployment marks another step in the refinery’s digital transformation, as it seeks to maximise the potential of its facilities through advanced industrial technology.
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