Nigeria’s biggest refinery turns to retail investors in landmark $1.6 billion IPO
AgenciesNigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote opened his refinery to public ownership Monday with plans to raise $1.6 billion from retail investors across the continent in Africa’s...
Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote inaugurated his refinery for public ownership on Monday, aiming to raise $1.6 billion from retail investors across Africa in Africa's largest initial public offering, or IPO. Dangote, Africa's richest man, described the IPO as "for the people" and expressed his desire for everyone to own a share.
Retail investors can purchase a 10-share bundle in the expansive Lagos-based refinery for 5,250 naira ($4), the minimum investment. Dangote maintains 87 percent ownership of the refinery, Africa's largest.
The refinery's size and potential returns, particularly in light of recent global oil price increases following the US-Iran war, have piqued the interest of retail investors. Dangote stated that the IPO, set to be fully listed in Nigeria in November, would share prosperity with the people, reflecting at the Nigerian Exchange Group in Lagos.
The IPO launch quickly garnered attention, causing significant traffic on numerous digital investment platforms in the country, forcing at least two to briefly halt operations. Titi Adetoye, an Abuja-based operations manager, expressed her intention to buy up to 1,000 shares, emphasizing her confidence in Dangote and the refinery's status as the biggest in Africa.
Nigeria has long relied on foreign refining of its oil due to outdated state-run refineries that often operate below capacity or remain stagnant due to poor maintenance. The $19 billion refinery's 2024 production marked a shift for the energy-rich nation, transforming it from an importer of refined oil into an exporter. Mohammed Saidu, head of research and investment analysis at TrustBanc, predicted that the IPO would generate millions of new investors across Nigeria's markets.
The IPO has raised questions about Dangote's significant ownership and the refinery's valuation, which stands at $49 billion, more than double the cost of construction. Dangote's officials deny the valuation is inflated. Analyst Joachim McEbong cautioned that retaining 87 percent ownership might undermine the narrative of a people-driven IPO. Skepticism surrounds the IPO, with some investors, like Lagos-based researcher Abdulkabeer Tijani, questioning its affordability, priced at 525 naira ($0.40) per share.
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