Dangote Fertilizer Limited (DFL) has signed a strategic agreement with thyssenkrupp Uhde Fertilizer Technology (UFT), a subsidiary of Germany’s thyssenkrupp Uhde, to license and deploy its advanced UFT® Fluid Bed Granulation Technology for four new urea granulation plants in Nigeria.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to a statement obtained by Nairametrics, the partnership covers the technology license, a comprehensive Process Design Package (PDP), and the supply of proprietary equipment, including granulators and scrubbers.
Each of the four new plants will have a nameplate capacity of 4,235 metric tons per day, bringing the combined additional capacity to 16,940 metric tons per day. This expansion will raise Dangote Fertilizer’s total annual urea production from around 2.65 million tons to more than 8 million tons.
The new plants will be sited in Lekki, adjacent to DFL’s existing fertilizer complexes, which have been operating with UFT technology since 2021 and currently produce 3,850 metric tons per day each.
The statement noted that the upcoming units will integrate UFT’s energy-efficient scrubbing system, engineered to minimize pressure drop while effectively controlling dust and ammonia emissions to comply with stringent environmental standards.
In addition, the facilities will adopt Ammonia Convert Technology (ACT) — an innovation that incorporates ammonium sulfate byproducts directly into the urea granules. This eliminates waste streams and provides both logistical and commercial advantages for fertilizer distribution.
Speaking on the partnership, Nadja Haakansson, Chief Executive Officer of thyssenkrupp Uhde, said the collaboration reinforces both companies’ shared commitment to sustainable industrial development and food security.
“This partnership with Dangote Fertiliser Limited underscores our shared vision for sustainable industrial development and global food security,” she said. “By deploying our proven UFT® Fluid Bed Granulation Technology, we are setting new standards in efficiency and environmental stewardship in fertilizer production. We are proud to support DFL in building resilient and future-ready value chains.”
Also commenting, Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, described the project as a major step in advancing Africa’s agricultural and industrial capabilities.
“We are pleased to deepen our collaboration with thyssenkrupp Uhde Fertilizer Technology for the expansion of our fertilizer operations in Lekki,” he said. “This initiative reflects our commitment to agricultural self-sufficiency and industrial progress across Africa. 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 Fertiliser Limited remains one of Africa’s largest fertilizer producers, focused on enhancing agricultural productivity and strengthening food security across the continent.
Globally, thyssenkrupp Uhde’s UFT® Fluid Bed Granulation Technology is among the most advanced solutions for urea production — responsible for over 70% of the world’s urea granule output, while maintaining emissions well below regulatory thresholds.
