Dangote Refinery Deploys 4,000 CNG Trucks, Promises 24,000 Jobs as Fuel Queues End
Lagos, Nigeria – The President and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has announced that the deployment of 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks for his refinery operations is expected to create at least 24,000 jobs across the country.
Speaking at a conference in Lagos to mark the one-year anniversary of the refinery’s petrol launch, Dangote assured that employees will be provided with fair wages and comprehensive benefits, including health and life insurance.
Dangote declared that the refinery’s first year of petrol production had effectively ended Nigeria’s five-decade-long struggle with recurring fuel queues.
“We have been battling fuel queues since 1975, but today Nigerians are witnessing a new era,” he said. “This refinery is not just a project; it is a solution to one of our longest-running national challenges.”
He revealed that the project faced immense skepticism during its development, with critics repeatedly warning him that such ventures were only feasible for sovereign nations.
Since production commenced, the refinery has helped reduce the pump price of petrol from nearly ₦1,100 per litre to ₦841 in several states. Dangote noted that with the phased rollout of CNG-powered trucks, these reductions would soon be felt nationwide.
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Between June and early September 2025, the refinery exported over 1.1 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), a development Dangote said underscored its capacity to not only meet Nigeria’s domestic demand but also earn significant foreign exchange for the country.
He stressed that the refinery has no intention of venturing into the retail market, but would instead remain open to partnerships with other players in the downstream sector.
Reaffirming his long-term commitment to Nigeria’s industrialisation, Dangote urged the National Assembly to enact legislation that protects local industries through a “Nigeria First” policy.
“We must protect our industries and discourage the dumping of cheap foreign goods,” he said, warning that unchecked imports could undermine Nigeria’s drive for self-reliance.
Expansion Plans and Africa’s Refining Hub
Looking ahead, Dangote disclosed that the refinery’s capacity will expand to 700,000 barrels per day in its second year of operations.
“Nigeria has now become the refining hub of Africa,” he stated confidently. “We are set to become the largest exporter of polypropylene and are also aiming to make Nigeria the world’s leading producer of fertiliser. These initiatives will generate substantial foreign exchange, create employment opportunities, and stimulate growth across other sectors of the economy.”
Industry analysts say Dangote’s announcement reinforces the transformative role his refinery is playing in reshaping Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas landscape, while boosting confidence in the country’s industrial potential.
By PRNigeria
