Dangote Petroleum Refinery yesterday rolled out 1,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks, with a promise that the deployment will create 24,000 jobs across the country.
President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, disclosed this in Lagos during a conference organised to mark the first anniversary of the refinery’s launch of petrol production.
The trucks represent the first phase of the company’s direct fuel distribution programme. Dangote explained that the initiative is part of a broader plan to strengthen domestic fuel supply, create jobs, and support national economic growth.
He further revealed that the refinery’s capacity will rise from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 700,000 bpd next year, adding that this expansion aligns with the management’s determination to generate more employment and enhance the economy.
Highlighting the achievements of the $2 billion facility, Dangote noted that Nigeria’s decades-long struggle with fuel queues has faded since the refinery began operations a year ago. According to him, the refinery has successfully reduced petrol prices by N259 per litre within twelve months.
“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 South West, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara. With the rollout of CNG-powered trucks, Dangote anticipates this price reduction will soon be felt nationwide,” he said.
He recalled that Nigeria has been battling fuel shortages since 1975 but stressed that the launch of local refining on September 15, 2024, marked a turning point. “We have been battling fuel queues since 1975, but today Nigerians are witnessing a new era,” he said.
Dangote also declared support for the Federal Government’s ambition to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2031, describing the target as realistic. He urged Nigerians to “invest in the local economy for the good of all and in support of the government’s determination to create jobs and grow the economy.”
Addressing challenges encountered during the refinery’s development, he said the project was aimed at transforming Nigeria’s downstream sector despite resistance.
“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 simply isn’t true. What we have done is to make our country and continent proud. Previously, only two African countries were not importing petrol, but regrettably, they have since resumed imports. This is detrimental to Africa,” he said.
He stressed that the refinery has the capacity to meet Nigeria’s domestic demand while also earning foreign exchange through exports. Between June and early September this year, the refinery exported over 1.1 billion litres of petrol, underscoring its role in stabilising supply and boosting revenue.
Dangote placed emphasis on job creation, clarifying that the refinery was not displacing existing workers but creating thousands of new 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.
He explained that employees enjoy salaries three times the minimum wage, with drivers benefiting from living wages, life insurance, health insurance covering their families, and lifelong pensions. He added that the CNG fleet will also require the services of mechanics, fleet managers, and other professionals.
Dangote highlighted that Nigeria has now become Africa’s refining hub. He said the refinery is on course to make Nigeria the largest exporter of polypropylene and one of the world’s leading fertiliser producers, initiatives that will create foreign exchange, generate jobs, and stimulate growth across other sectors.
“We are fully committed to supporting the government in adding value, creating jobs, and building a stronger economy,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the refinery’s partners, its workforce, and Nigerians for their support. He also commended the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) for encouraging members to participate in the CNG-powered trucks distribution initiative.
At the conference, some of the trucks were showcased while loading petrol from the refinery. Dangote assured that all 4,000 trucks will be deployed across the country in due course. He dismissed concerns about possible attacks on drivers or trucks, stressing that Nigeria is governed by the rule of law and that security agencies are empowered to protect citizens and infrastructure.
On labour matters, he clarified that while the company respects trade unions, membership should remain a personal choice.
He reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s industrialisation, stressing that it is essential for Africa’s development. Citing the collapse of the textile sector as an example, he warned against the dumping of cheap foreign goods that harm local industries.
He urged lawmakers to support policies that prioritise Nigerian industries. “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,” he said.
Dangote also spoke on Africa’s economic prospects, stressing that reliance on imports leads to job losses and poverty.
“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 myself want to invest, but the challenges we face discourage them. Numerous sectors are still in urgent need of industrialization,” he said.
