Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, has announced that Nigeria’s long-standing issue with fuel queues has been resolved. According to Dangote, since the refinery began producing petrol a year ago, the country has witnessed a significant reduction in fuel queues. This development marks a new era for Nigeria, which had struggled with persistent fuel shortages since 1975.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, has been instrumental in addressing the country’s fuel crisis. Dangote emphasized that the refinery’s production has not only met domestic demand but also generated foreign exchange through exports. Between June and September 2025, the facility exported over 1.1 billion liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), demonstrating its capability to support the country’s economy.
Dangote acknowledged the challenges faced by the refinery, including opposition from some stakeholders who believed that the project would undermine their interests. However, he reiterated the company’s commitment to Nigeria and Africa, stating that the refinery has created thousands of new employment opportunities. The deployment of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks is expected to create at least 24,000 jobs across Nigeria, contributing to the country’s economic growth.
The refinery’s impact on the economy has been significant, with a reduction in petrol prices from nearly N1,100 to N841 in some regions. Dangote anticipates that this price reduction will soon be felt nationwide, with the gradual rollout of CNG-powered trucks. He also emphasized the need for Nigeria to protect its local industries and discourage the dumping of cheap foreign goods, citing the collapse of the textile sector as a cautionary example.
Looking ahead, Dangote announced plans to expand the refinery’s capacity to 700,000 barrels per day in its second year of operation. This expansion is expected to further support economic growth and job creation, with the aim of making Nigeria a leading producer of fertilizers and polypropylene. The company’s commitment to supporting the government in adding value, creating jobs, and building a stronger economy has been reaffirmed.
Dangote expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government, the refinery’s partners, and the Nigerian public for their continued support. The successful deployment of CNG-powered trucks and the refinery’s expansion plans are expected to have a positive impact on Nigeria’s economy, marking a significant milestone in the country’s industrialization efforts.