Dangote: We ended 50 years of Fuel Queues — Creating Jobs, Supporting Africa’s Industrialization

Image: Dangote Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery gantry (Inset: L–R: Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations, Dangote Industries Limited, Fatima Aliko Dangote; Vice President, Oil and Gas, DIL, Devakumar Edwin; President/Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote; and Chairman, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, Sayyu Dantata, during a press conference to mark the first anniversary of petrol rollout and the official presentation of CNG-powered trucks for fuel distribution at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Lekki, Lagos, on Monday, 15 September 2025

 

• We are creating jobs, not displacing anyone

“Industrialisation, not Importation Will Grow Africa’s Economy — Aliko Dangote”

In a bullish mood, Aliko Dangote, President/Chief Executive of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, has declared that with petrol distribution commencing a year ago in September 15, 2024, the advent of the refinery has finally brought an end to over 50 years of persistent fuel queues.

Dangote declared this at a press conference earlier today — Monday, September 15 — to mark the first anniversary of the rolling out of petrol from the 650,000 barrels per day refinery.

“We have been battling fuel queues since since 1975. But today, Nigerians are witnessing a new era”, he said

Despite being Africa’s largest crude oil producer, billions of dollars was spent annually on importing refined products while domestic refineries remained comatose. By 2023, the subsidy bill had ballooned to over ₦3 trillion annually, draining government finances and fueling inflation.

Dangote argued that the refinery has begun to reverse this cycle. “Previously, only two African countries were not importing petrol, but regrettably, they have since resumed imports. This is detrimental to Africa,” he said. With Nigeria now producing at scale, the country has a chance to reclaim its role as a refining hub for the continent.

The business mogul admitted that embarking on such a massive project was fraught with risk. “If it had gone wrong, lenders would have taken our assets. But we believed in Nigeria and Africa,” he said.

Despite warnings from global experts and financiers that only sovereign governments should attempt such a project, Dangote forged ahead. Today, the refinery has proven its capacity, exporting 1.1 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) between June and early September 2025 while stabilising the domestic market.

Prices, once spiking at ₦1,100 per litre, have dropped to around ₦841 in key regions. With the rollout of compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks, he expects further reductions as distribution costs fall.

Dangote further announced plans to ramp up production at his flagship refinery to 700,000 barrels per day in its second year of operation, a move expected to sharply reduce reliance on imported fuels and create thousands of jobs.

While open to collaboration in the downstream sector, he ruled out retail ventures, revealing that he had rejected previous offers to acquire filling stations. “Our focus remains on refining and industrial-scale operations,” he said firmly.

Dangote underscored the urgency of protecting local industries from foreign dumping, warning that Nigeria’s dependence on imports had already decimated sectors such as the once-thriving textile industry.

“Other nations were not industrialised by outsiders,” he cautioned. “We must build and industrialise our own economies. Without this, how can others invest?”

He pressed the National Assembly to back the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First” policy with stronger legislation, stressing that safeguarding domestic industries is central to job creation, poverty reduction, and economic stability.

A key highlight of Dangote’s presentation was the launch of CNG-powered trucks for fuel distribution. The initiative, already embraced by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), includes a free distribution programme for operators.

During his speech, Dangote showcased trucks already loading products at the refinery, assuring that all 4,000 CNG units will be deployed nationwide.

Emphasising job creation, he stated that the refinery has no intention of displacing workers but is instead generating thousands of new employment opportunities. The deployment of the CNG 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.”

He allayed any fears of potential attacks on the drivers or the trucks, noting:

“Nigeria is a country governed by the rule of law. Our security agencies are well-positioned to ensure protection for both people and infrastructure.”

The adoption of CNG, he explained, will cut logistics costs, reduce risks, and promote efficiency in fuel delivery.

Positioning Nigeria as a hub for value-added exports, Dangote revealed that the group is set to become the largest exporter of polypropylene and aims 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 stated.

Closing his remarks, Dangote expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, partners, employees, and Nigerians for their support. His message combined resolve with optimism — a vision for a self-reliant Africa led by an industrially resurgent Nigeria.