Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals opened applications for its 2026 Graduate Trainee Program on Thursday, 7 May 2026, offering young Nigerian graduates an 18-month structured training opportunity. Unlike many graduate schemes with a fixed submission deadline, Dangote has not published a specific closing date for applications. The 28-year age limit tied to 31 May 2026 defines who is eligible, not when the window closes. Given that, confirm the current status directly on the official careers portal before assuming the window is closed, and don’t delay if you’re eligible, since these programs commonly fill on a rolling basis.

About the Program

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals operates a 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery in the Lekki Free Zone, Lagos State, the largest single-train refinery in the world, built to boost Nigeria’s local refining capacity and reduce dependence on imported fuel. The Graduate Trainee Program is part of Dangote’s long-term investment in developing young African talent. It runs for 18 months and exposes trainees to real refinery operations, technical processes, and mentorship from experienced professionals across the organization.

The refinery is one arm of the wider Dangote Group, one of Africa’s largest industrial conglomerates, with operations spanning cement, sugar, petrochemicals, and the refinery itself. Since commencing operations, the refinery has drawn significant attention across Africa for its scale and its expected impact on fuel supply, foreign exchange savings, and industrial job creation, which is part of why this graduate program typically attracts very high application volumes.

The Three Application Categories

Technical

For graduates with a First Degree or Higher Diploma in Chemical Engineering, Production Engineering, Mining Engineering, Geological Sciences, Laboratory Sciences, or Biochemistry.

Technical Support

For graduates with a First Degree or Higher Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, or Power Engineering.

Support

For graduates with a Degree or Diploma in Accounting and Finance, Social Sciences, Humanities, Business Administration, Law, or Information Technology.

Eligibility Requirements

• A First Degree or Higher National Diploma in a discipline relevant to one of the three categories above, from a reputable institution.
• A minimum of Second-Class Lower for degree holders, or Upper Credit for HND holders.
• Must not be above 28 years of age as of 31 May 2026.
• Strong research, data analysis, and report-writing skills, along with a genuine willingness to learn and retain new information.

How to Apply

1. Visit Dangote’s official careers portal at https://careers.dangote.com/. Don’t use a third-party link claiming to be the application form.

2. Locate the 2026 Graduate Trainee Program listing and select the category (Technical, Technical Support, or Support) matching your qualification.

3. Complete the online application form with accurate personal and academic details.

4. Upload the required supporting documents, including your degree/HND certificate and any other credentials requested.

5. Submit your application. Since no fixed deadline has been published, apply as early as possible rather than waiting, particularly given the scale of interest a program of this size typically attracts.

What the Program Offers

• A competitive monthly salary throughout the 18-month training period. Third-party estimates put this in the ₦250,000-₦350,000 range, though Dangote has not published an official figure; treat any specific number as unconfirmed.
• Hands-on technical training and rotation across various refinery operating units.
• Professional mentorship from experienced industry professionals.
• Networking opportunities within one of Africa’s largest industrial conglomerates.
• A genuine possibility of long-term employment for outstanding participants after successful completion of the program.

No Payment Required

Dangote’s graduate trainee application process is free. Do not pay anyone claiming to guarantee your selection, expedite your application, or provide special access to the program. Treat any such request as fraudulent, and apply only through the official careers portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Dangote Graduate Trainee Program still accepting applications?

As of this writing, no official closing date has been published. The 28-year age limit is measured as of 31 May 2026 and defines eligibility, not the application deadline. Confirm current status directly on careers.dangote.com.

Can HND holders apply?

Yes, provided you hold an Upper Credit HND in a discipline relevant to one of the three categories.

Is the program only for the refinery, or does it cover other Dangote businesses?

This specific 2026 intake is run by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals. Dangote Cement has separately run its own graduate trainee schemes in past cycles, so confirm which specific program and business unit you’re applying to.

Is there an application fee?

No. The process is free, and no legitimate representative of Dangote will ask you to pay to apply, be shortlisted, or secure a position.

What happens after I submit my application?

Based on how similar large-scale graduate schemes typically run, expect a shortlisting stage followed by further assessment for candidates who progress. Specific stages and timing will be communicated directly by Dangote to shortlisted applicants.

Will I be posted specifically to the Lekki refinery?

The program is run by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, whose primary facility is the Lekki Free Zone refinery, so most trainees should expect to be based there, though specific placement can depend on your category and the organization’s operational needs at the time.