Dangote: We Ended 50 Years of Fuel Queues in Nigeria
President and Chief Executive of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Aliko Dangote, has declared that Nigeria’s decades-long struggle with fuel queues has finally ended following the commencement of petrol production at his refinery.
Speaking at a conference marking the first anniversary of petrol output from the 650,000 barrels-per-day facility, Dangote said Nigerians had endured persistent fuel queues since 1975, but that the situation has been steadily resolved since the refinery began operations on September 3, 2024.
“We have been battling fuel queues since 1975, but today Nigerians are witnessing a new era,” he said.
Dangote acknowledged that the project faced enormous challenges, including stiff opposition and financial risks, but stressed that his commitment to Nigeria and Africa kept the vision alive.
“Many told me only sovereign nations build refineries of this scale. If it had gone wrong, lenders would have taken all our assets. But we believed in Nigeria and Africa,” he added.
Petrol Prices Down, Exports Up
The refinery, he explained, has already impacted pricing — reducing petrol from nearly ₦1,100 per litre before production began to ₦841 per litre in parts of the country, including the Southwest, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara.
He revealed that between June and early September 2025, the facility exported over 1.1 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), demonstrating its capacity to meet Nigeria’s domestic demand while earning foreign exchange through exports.
Job Creation Through CNG Trucks
To further drive efficiency and affordability, Dangote announced the deployment of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks, which he said will create at least 24,000 jobs for drivers, mechanics, fleet managers, and other professionals.
“Our employees earn three times the minimum wage. Drivers get a living wage, life insurance, health insurance for themselves, their spouses, and up to four children, as well as a lifelong pension,” he said.
He clarified that while the company respects trade unions, membership remains a personal choice for employees.
Call for Industrialisation and ‘Nigeria First’ Policy
Dangote also used the occasion to call for stronger protection of local industries, warning against the dumping of cheap foreign products. He cited the collapse of Nigeria’s textile industry as a lesson and urged the National Assembly to support legislation promoting the government’s “Nigeria First” policy.
“Other nations were not industrialised by outsiders. If we keep importing, we are simply exporting jobs and importing poverty,” he stressed.
Expansion Plans and Partnerships
Looking ahead, Dangote announced that the refinery’s capacity would be expanded to 700,000 barrels per day in its second year of operation, with plans to make Nigeria the largest exporter of polypropylene and a global leader in fertiliser production.
He reaffirmed that the refinery would not enter the retail fuel business, noting that it turned down opportunities to acquire filling stations, and instead would remain focused on production and supply.
Gratitude and Security Assurance
Dangote expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, refinery partners, the workforce, and Nigerians for their support. He also commended the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) for embracing the CNG distribution initiative.
Showcasing some of the trucks already deployed, he assured the public of their safety.
“Nigeria is a country governed by the rule of law. Our drivers and trucks are fully protected by the security agencies,” he said.
