President and Chief Executive of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Aliko Dangote, has declared that Nigeria’s five-decade struggle with persistent fuel queues has come to an end since the refinery began producing petrol a year ago.
Speaking at a conference to mark the first anniversary of the launch of petrol from the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery, Dangote noted that Nigerians had endured recurring fuel scarcity since 1975.
“We have been battling fuel queues since 1975, but today Nigerians are witnessing a new era,” he said.
Dangote explained that the crisis had been gradually resolved since the refinery commenced petrol production on September 15, 2024.
Acknowledging the many obstacles the project faced, he said the company remained committed to Nigeria and Africa despite scepticism and resistance from different quarters.
“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 stated.
Dangote revealed that the refinery’s development involved enormous risk, with warnings from industry experts, investors, and local and foreign officials who argued that only sovereign nations could undertake such ventures.
“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 reportedly reduced the price of petrol from nearly N1,100 before production began to N841 in the South West, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara. Dangote said he expects the price reduction to be felt nationwide with the gradual rollout of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks.
He added that the refinery has enough capacity to meet Nigeria’s domestic demand while also generating foreign exchange through exports, disclosing that between June and the first week of September 2025, it had exported over 1.1 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Dangote also emphasised that the refinery is creating jobs rather than displacing workers.
“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 noted that the deployment of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks would create at least 24,000 jobs across the country. While stating that the company respects trade unions, he clarified that membership remains a personal choice for each driver.
Dangote reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s industrialisation, stressing that protecting local industries and discouraging the dumping of cheap foreign goods was vital to the country’s economic survival.
“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,” he said.
He added that while many wealthy individuals are interested in investing in Nigeria, they are discouraged by the challenges investors currently face, stressing that numerous sectors are still in urgent need of industrialisation.
Dangote also said the introduction of CNG trucks would enable the refinery to deliver products safely to any part of the country, mitigating associated risks. He stressed that the refinery remains open to partnerships and collaboration, noting that the industry stands to gain more through collective efforts.
He clarified that the refinery has no plans to enter the retail market, adding that he turned down opportunities to acquire filling stations when they were offered for sale.
Looking ahead, Dangote disclosed plans to expand the refinery’s capacity to 700,000 barrels per day in its second year of operation, which he said would further drive 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.”
Dangote expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, the refinery’s partners, its dedicated workforce, and the Nigerian public for their support, particularly commending the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) for encouraging its members to register for the free fuel distribution programme using CNG-powered trucks.
He also showcased some of the trucks already loading petrol from the refinery, assuring that all 4,000 trucks would soon be deployed nationwide. He dismissed fears of possible attacks on the trucks or drivers, stressing that Nigeria operates under the rule of law and that security agencies are fully empowered to protect its citizens and infrastructure.
