Dangote declares end to Nigeria’s 50-Year fuel queues as the refinery marks one-year of petrol production

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President/Chief Executive of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Aliko Dangote, has declared that Nigeria’s decades-long struggle with fuel queues has finally been brought to an end since the refinery began producing petrol one year ago.

Speaking at a conference commemorating the refinery’s first anniversary of petrol output from its 650,000 barrels-per-day facility, Dangote said Nigerians had endured fuel scarcity since 1975, but the story had changed since September 3, 2024.

“We have been battling fuel queues since 1975, but today Nigerians are witnessing a new era,” he said.

Dangote acknowledged the refinery had faced enormous challenges but stressed that its mission was to transform Nigeria’s downstream sector and strengthen Africa’s energy independence.

“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 explained.

He revealed that the project carried huge risks, as he was warned repeatedly that only sovereign nations could attempt such ventures. He admitted that had the project failed, he would have lost all his assets to lenders.

“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.

Since operations began, petrol prices have dropped from nearly ₦1,100 per litre to ₦841 in the Southwest, Abuja, Rivers, Edo, Delta, and Kwara, with further reductions expected as CNG-powered trucks roll out nationwide. Between June and early September 2025, the refinery exported over 1.1 billion litres of petrol, proving its ability to meet domestic demand while boosting foreign exchange earnings.

Highlighting its job creation efforts, Dangote said the deployment of 4,000 CNG trucks would generate at least 24,000 jobs.

“We have not displaced any jobs; we are creating many more. The CNG trucks will not be operated by robots. 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 said.

Dangote clarified that while the company respects trade unions, driver membership remains a personal choice. He further called for stronger protection of local industries, warning against the dumping of cheap foreign goods, which he said had already destroyed Nigeria’s once-thriving textile industry.

“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. Many individuals with greater financial resources than I have want to invest, but the challenges we face discourage them. Numerous sectors are still in urgent need of industrialisation,” he stressed

He announced that the refinery would expand its capacity to 700,000 barrels per day in its second year of operation, while also positioning Nigeria to become the largest exporter of polypropylene and the world’s leading fertiliser producer.

“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,” Dangote said.

“We are fully committed to supporting the government in adding value, creating jobs, and building a stronger economy.”

He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, partners, and workforce for their support, while praising the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) for encouraging its members to join the free fuel distribution scheme through CNG-powered trucks.

Dangote also showcased some of the trucks currently loading products at the refinery and assured Nigerians that the company would deploy all 4,000 across the country. He dismissed concerns about possible attacks on drivers or trucks, insisting, “Nigeria is a country governed by the rule of law and security agencies are fully empowered to protect its citizens and infrastructure.

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