Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, announced that Nigeria’s long‑standing fuel‑queue problem has been resolved. Since the refinery began producing petrol a year ago, the country has seen a marked decline in queues, ending a struggle with fuel shortages that dated back to 1975. The refinery’s 650,000‑barrel‑per‑day capacity has been pivotal in tackling the crisis, meeting domestic demand while also generating foreign exchange through exports. Between June and September 2025, the plant exported more than 1.1 billion liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), underscoring its ability to bolster the economy.
Dangote acknowledged the challenges the refinery faced, including opposition from stakeholders who feared the project would threaten their interests. Nevertheless, he reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Nigeria and Africa, noting that the refinery has created thousands of jobs. The deployment of 4,000 CNG‑powered trucks is expected to generate at least 24,000 positions nationwide, further stimulating economic growth. The impact on fuel prices has already been felt, with petrol dropping from nearly N1,100 to N841 in some regions, and Dangote anticipates a nationwide reduction as the CNG‑truck rollout continues.
Looking ahead, Dangote revealed plans to increase the refinery’s capacity to 700,000 barrels per day in its second year of operation. This expansion aims to deepen economic growth and job creation, positioning Nigeria as a leading producer of fertilizers and polypropylene. He emphasized the need to protect local industries and curb the influx of cheap foreign goods, citing the collapse of the textile sector as a warning.
Dangote expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, the refinery’s partners, and the Nigerian public for their ongoing support. The successful deployment of CNG‑powered trucks and the planned capacity expansion mark significant milestones in Nigeria’s industrialisation, promising further benefits for the nation’s economy.
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