… rolls out 1,000 CNG-powered trucks, targeting petrol sales at the same price per litre nationwide
… allays fears of potential attacks on drivers, CNG trucks, says security agencies are fully empowered
Ibukunoluwa Osigunwa
The 650,000-barrels-per-day Dangote Petroleum Refinery has exported over 1.1 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) between June and the first week of September 2025, a period spanning 99 days, Aliko Dangote, President/Chief Executive of the facility confirmed this on Monday.
He assured that with the gradual rollout of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks, petrol consumers in the Northern region and other parts of the country will soon purchase the product at a reduced price of about ₦841 per litre — the same price currently obtainable in the Southwest, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara States.
Aliko Dangote made this known in his remark, while speaking at a conference to mark the first anniversary of the launch of petrol from the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery on Monday.
Advisors Reports gathered that the anniversary also marked the official commencement of the deployment, with over 1,000 vehicles moved to the gantry and beginning loading as part of the phased rollout of the 4,000 CNG-powered trucks.
President/Chief Executive, Dangote Petroleum Refinery during the ceremony held in Lagos, noted that the refinery has sufficient capacity to meet Nigeria’s domestic demand while also generating foreign exchange through exports.
He further declared that since the refinery began producing petrol a year ago, Nigeria’s five-decade-long struggle with fuel queues has finally come to an end.
Dangote noted that Nigerians have endured persistent fuel queues since 1975, adding that the issue has been steadily resolved since the refinery began rolling out petrol on September 15, 2024.
He said, “We have been battling fuel queues since 1975, but today Nigerians are witnessing a new era.
Acknowledging the numerous challenges the refinery has faced since its inception, Dangote emphasised the company’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria and Africa.
“The journey has been challenging because we sought to transform the downstream sector in Nigeria. Some believed we were taking food from their tables, which isn’t true. What we have done is to make our country and continent proud.
“Previously, only two African countries did not import petrol; however, they have since resumed imports. This is detrimental to Africa,” he added.
Dangote disclosed that the project involved enormous risk, adding that he received repeated warnings from industry experts, investors, local and foreign government officials, who argued that only sovereign nations undertake such large-scale refinery ventures.
He also admitted that had the project failed, he would have lost all his assets to lenders.
“The decision to build the refinery was not easy. If it had gone wrong, lenders would have taken our assets. But we believed in Nigeria and Africa,” he said.
Despite opposition and economic headwinds, the refinery has successfully reduced the price of petrol from nearly N1,100 before production began to N841 in the Southwest, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara.
Aliko Dangote stated that the refinery has no intention of displacing workers but is instead generating thousands of new employment opportunities. The deployment of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks is expected to create at least 24,000 jobs across Nigeria.
“We have not displaced any jobs; we are creating many more. The CNG trucks will not be operated by robots,” he said.
“Our employees earn salaries three times the minimum wage. Our drivers receive a living wage, life insurance, health insurance covering themselves, their spouses, and up to four children, as well as a lifelong pension.
We are not only employing drivers but also mechanics, fleet managers, and other professionals to support the CNG fleet.”
Dangote clarified that while the company respects trade unions, membership is a personal choice for each driver.
He reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s industrialisation, describing it as essential for the continent’s development.
Dangote emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to protect its local industries and discourage the dumping of cheap foreign goods, citing the collapse of the once-thriving textile sector as a cautionary example.
He noted that Nigeria’s path to sustainable economic growth lies in industrialisation, which not only boosts local productivity but also supports a circular economy.
“Other nations were not industrialised by outsiders.
“We must build and industrialise our own economies.
“Without this, how can others invest? That is why I believe the National Assembly should enact legislation to support the Federal Government’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy.
“My goal is to see Africa prosper, as we have the fastest-growing population in the world.
“Relying on imports means exporting jobs and importing poverty. Many individuals with greater financial resources than I want to invest, but the challenges we face discourage them. Numerous sectors are still in urgent need of industrialisation,” he said
He reiterated that with the introduction of CNG trucks, the refinery can deliver products to consumers anywhere in Nigeria, mitigating all associated risks.
Dangote reiterated that the refinery remains open to partnerships and collaborations with other stakeholders in the downstream sector, stressing that the industry stands to gain more through collective effort and cooperation.
He also clarified that the refinery has no plans to enter the retail market, noting that he declined opportunities to acquire filling stations when they were offered for sale.
Dangote emphasised that the refinery’s capacity would be expanded to 700,000 barrels per day in its second year of operation, to further support economic growth and job creation.
“Nigeria has now become the refining hub of Africa. We are set to become the largest exporter of polypropylene and are aiming to make Nigeria the world’s leading producer of fertiliser. These initiatives will generate substantial foreign exchange, create employment, and stimulate growth in other sectors,” he said.
“We are fully committed to supporting the government in adding value, creating jobs, and building a stronger economy,” he explained.
He commended the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) for encouraging its members to register for the free distribution initiative utilising CNG-powered trucks.
Dangote allayed any fears of potential attacks on the drivers or the 4,000 trucks, stressing that Nigeria is a country governed by the rule of law and that security agencies are fully empowered to protect its citizens and infrastructure.
