LONDON, U.K.: Nigeria's Dangote refinery has built up a significant surplus of jet fuel and is well-positioned to supply markets around the world, Chief Executive David Bird said.

The 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery, Africa's largest, is producing more jet fuel than is needed on the continent, allowing it to export the product to international markets.

"We're very grateful to be seen as a reliable, high-quality and dependable supplier able to land our product competitively all over the world," Bird said at the S&P Global Energy Middle East Petroleum and Gas Conference in London.

Jet fuel has been among the products most affected by disruptions linked to the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, creating opportunities for refiners outside the Gulf region to step in and meet global demand.

Bird said the Dangote refinery is currently operating at full nameplate capacity and is benefiting from its location outside the conflict-affected region.

The company is now planning a major expansion that would more than double its refining capacity. "We will bring 700,000 barrels per day of fully complex refining capacity on stream by the end of 2028," Bird said.

He added that key long-lead equipment has already been purchased and construction contracts are in the process of being awarded.

The expansion is part of what Bird described as a "ruthless replication" strategy. Once completed, it would significantly increase the group's refining footprint and strengthen its position in global fuel markets.

Bird said the company could eventually raise its refining capacity to 2.1 million barrels per day through an additional refinery planned in East Africa.

That would help the group become a major participant in global crude oil and refined products trade flows, he said.

Bird also highlighted the impact the refinery has had on Nigeria's domestic fuel market. "Nigeria has gone from fuel scarcity to absolute fuel abundance since the Dangote refinery came online," he said.