Onome Amuge
Thyssenkrupp Uhde Fertilizer Technology (UFT) has signed a licensing agreement with Dangote Fertiliser Limited (DFL) to deploy its advanced UFT® Fluid Bed Granulation Technology in four new urea granulation units, strengthening Nigeria’s position as Africa’s fertilizer hub.
The partnership, which includes a Process Design Package (PDP) and the supply of proprietary equipment such as granulators and scrubbers, is set to expand Dangote Fertiliser’s production footprint. Each of the four new units will have a nameplate capacity of 4,235 metric tonnes per day, increasing DFL’s annual urea output from around 2.65 million tonnes to over 8 million tonnes once fully operational.
The facilities will be constructed in Lekki, Lagos, adjacent to DFL’s existing fertilizer complexes that began operations in 2021. Those plants, which also utilise UFT technology, currently produce 3,850 metric tonnes per day and have been instrumental in making Nigeria self-sufficient in urea production while creating export opportunities across West Africa and beyond.
Beyond capacity expansion, the new project represents a major step in sustainable industrial innovation. The plants will integrate UFT’s energy-efficient scrubbing system, designed to lower pressure drops and reduce dust and ammonia emissions in line with international environmental standards. They will also deploy Ammonia Convert Technology (ACT), which enables ammonium sulfate byproducts to be incorporated into urea granules—eliminating waste streams and cutting logistics costs.
Nadja Haakansson, CEO of thyssenkrupp Uhde, said the collaboration highlights a shared commitment to sustainability and industrial excellence.
“This partnership with Dangote Fertiliser Limited underscores our shared vision for sustainable industrial development and global food security. By deploying our proven UFT® Fluid Bed Granulation Technology, we are setting new standards in efficiency and environmental stewardship in fertilizer production,” Haakansson said.
Aliko Dangote, president of Dangote Group, described the initiative as a continuation of the company’s broader mission to drive agricultural self-sufficiency and industrial progress across Africa.
“We are pleased to deepen our collaboration with thyssenkrupp Uhde Fertilizer Technology for the expansion of our operations in Lekki. With UFT® technology, we are ensuring the production of high-quality urea fertilizer that meets global standards while reducing environmental impact. This investment further positions Nigeria as a leading fertilizer producer” Dangote said.
Industry observers say the expansion will not only enhance Nigeria’s agricultural productivity but also strengthen the country’s export potential, with surplus production expected to serve regional markets in West and Central Africa.
Globally, thyssenkrupp Uhde’s UFT® technology is responsible for over 70 per cent of urea granule output, making it one of the most efficient and widely adopted systems in the fertilizer industry. Its adoption in Nigeria is expected to deepen the country’s integration into global agricultural supply chains and support long-term food security goals.
