On June 12, 2026, Daewoo Engineering & Construction (Daewoo E&C) marked a significant milestone in its decades-long presence in Africa, announcing the completion of the Indorama Fertilizer Plant Unit 3 in Nigeria. The project, commissioned by IF FZE—the Nigerian subsidiary of the global petrochemical group Indorama—was finished on schedule, reinforcing Daewoo E&C’s reputation as a reliable partner for large-scale industrial infrastructure in the region.
The newly completed plant is situated near Port Harcourt in Rivers State, Nigeria, a strategic location in the heart of the country’s oil and gas industry. According to reporting from Industry News and Yonhap News Agency, the facility boasts a daily production capacity of 2,300 tons of ammonia and 4,000 tons of urea and urea fertilizer. The total contract value for the project stood at approximately 265 million US dollars, excluding VAT, with the construction period spanning 32 months from October 2023 to May 2026.
This state-of-the-art plant is designed to convert Nigeria’s abundant natural gas reserves into valuable agricultural inputs. The facility produces ammonia from natural gas and subsequently reacts it with carbon dioxide to manufacture urea—a key component in commercial fertilizers. Notably, the plant is also equipped with granulation equipment, allowing the urea to be processed into a form suitable for widespread agricultural use.
Nigeria holds the distinction of being Africa’s largest natural gas reserve holder, and the government has been actively promoting the development of the fertilizer industry to enhance agricultural productivity. The completion of Indorama Fertilizer Plant Unit 3 is expected to significantly expand the local supply of fertilizer, a crucial step for a country where agriculture remains a mainstay of the economy and food security is a persistent concern.
What sets this project apart is not just its scale, but the efficiency and precision with which it was executed. Daewoo E&C managed to achieve key project milestones ahead of schedule—a rare feat in the world of large-scale construction. Natural gas input was completed 14 days ahead of the original timeline on May 5, 2026. Ammonia production began 16 days early, while urea production started 19 days ahead of plan. The commissioning for 100% plant operation was also completed 13 days before the deadline, with all processes wrapped up by May 30, 2026.
According to Industry News, this achievement was made possible by the company’s accumulated expertise and strong local network. A Daewoo E&C representative stated, “The successful early completion and commissioning of Unit 3 was achieved through accumulated local experience and networks.” The spokesperson added, “We will actively pursue follow-up projects and expand in the African market based on our trust with the client.”
This latest project is far from Daewoo E&C’s first foray into Nigeria or the African continent at large. Since entering the Nigerian market in 1983, the company has completed about 75 projects worth roughly 10.8 billion US dollars. These range from national infrastructure to industrial developments, helping to lay the groundwork for Nigeria’s economic growth. The Indorama Fertilizer Plant Unit 3 follows previous successful collaborations with the same client, including the construction of Indorama Fertilizer Plants Units 1 and 2, a natural gas pre-treatment facility (FCU), and urea fertilizer production equipment (GU).
Daewoo E&C’s extensive African portfolio doesn’t stop at Nigeria. The company has delivered approximately 290 projects across 11 countries, including Sudan, Libya, Liberia, and Mozambique. This broad footprint is a testament to Daewoo E&C’s ability to adapt to diverse environments and foster strong relationships with local communities and governments.
One of the keys to Daewoo E&C’s sustained success in Africa has been its commitment to local engagement. The company has prioritized hiring local workers and building robust supply chains within the communities where it operates. This strategy not only supports the local economy but also helps to ensure the smooth execution of complex projects in challenging environments. As noted by Yonhap News Agency, Daewoo E&C “maintains ongoing communication with local communities and has strengthened its position in Nigeria.”
The completion of the Indorama Fertilizer Plant Unit 3 comes at a crucial time for Nigeria. With the government’s push to boost agricultural productivity, the expanded fertilizer supply is expected to have a ripple effect across the sector. Farmers, who often struggle with inconsistent access to affordable fertilizers, may now find it easier to secure the inputs they need to increase crop yields and sustain their livelihoods.
Beyond the immediate benefits to Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the project also highlights the growing importance of international partnerships in Africa’s industrial development. By leveraging its technical know-how and experience in large-scale construction, Daewoo E&C has positioned itself as a key player in Africa’s ongoing economic transformation.
Looking ahead, Daewoo E&C has made it clear that it intends to build on this momentum. The company plans to leverage its local workforce and supply chain partnerships to pursue additional projects, both in Nigeria and across the continent. As the Daewoo E&C representative emphasized, “We will actively pursue follow-up projects and expand in the African market based on our trust with the client.”
For Daewoo E&C, the successful completion of the Indorama Fertilizer Plant Unit 3 is more than just another project in its portfolio—it’s a demonstration of what’s possible when international expertise meets local opportunity. The company’s track record in Nigeria and beyond suggests that its influence in Africa’s industrial landscape is only set to grow in the years to come.
As the sun sets over the new fertilizer plant near Port Harcourt, it stands as both a symbol of Nigeria’s aspirations for agricultural self-sufficiency and a testament to the power of global collaboration. With further projects on the horizon, Daewoo E&C’s journey in Africa is far from over.