The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals is set to receive 60 shiploads of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks in the coming weeks, a move poised to reshape Nigeria’s fuel distribution network. Announced by Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief of Branding and Communication at Dangote Industries Limited, the phased delivery of the specialized fleet begins this month and aims to streamline the supply of petroleum products nationwide while tackling longstanding logistical challenges.
The first batch of trucks, imported via Lagos’s Apapa Port, recently arrived at the refinery’s Ibeju-Lekki facility, marking the launch of a ₦720 billion (approximately $568 million) investment in modernizing Nigeria’s energy infrastructure. The vehicles are part of a larger initiative to deploy 4,000 CNG tankers, designed to reduce operational costs and enhance the reliability of fuel delivery. “This is a groundbreaking step for Nigeria’s energy sector,” said Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries, during the handover ceremony. “By prioritizing efficiency and sustainability, we aim to ensure fuel availability and affordability for millions.”
The refinery estimates the program will cut national fuel distribution expenses by ₦1.7 trillion ($1.34 billion) annually, with the company absorbing over ₦1.07 trillion ($845 million) of these costs itself. Small businesses stand to benefit significantly, as reduced energy expenses could improve profitability for an estimated 42 million micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Jobs are also a focus: the initiative is projected to create 15,000 positions across logistics, including roles for drivers and station operators, while reviving dormant fueling stations.
Environmental and economic benefits are central to the plan. By replacing diesel-powered trucks with CNG alternatives, the refinery aims to curb emissions and reduce cross-border fuel smuggling—a persistent issue in the region. Tosin Coker, Commercial Coordinator of Nigeria’s Presidential CNG Initiative, praised the scale of the effort, noting it sends a “clear signal” about the viability of gas-powered transport. “This isn’t a future ambition—it’s happening now,” he said. “Adopting CNG addresses both economic and ecological challenges directly.”
The refinery’s broader strategy includes strengthening energy security, easing inflationary pressures linked to transportation costs, and fostering economic growth. With weekly shipments of trucks set to continue through mid-October, the project reflects a critical step in Nigeria’s push to leverage its natural gas resources and overhaul a historically fragmented fuel distribution system. If successful, the model could serve as a blueprint for other nations seeking to balance industrial growth with sustainability.
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