Nigeria’s decades-long struggle with fuel shortages has finally ended, according to Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest entrepreneur and Chairman of Dangote Petroleum Refinery. Speaking at a Lagos event celebrating one year since the plant started producing petrol, Dangote described the milestone as the dawn of a new era for Nigerians.
At the ceremony held on September 15, 2025, Dangote shared how the refinery’s success has brought relief by producing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at a daily capacity of 650,000 barrels since September 2024. He recalled the immense challenges and skepticism that surrounded the ambitious undertaking, with many experts doubting the feasibility outside state control.
Dangote stressed that the project carried huge risks, and failure would have meant losing everything to creditors and that they placed their faith in Nigeria and Africa’s potential.
The refinery has notably reduced petrol prices, with costs dropping from nearly N1,100 per litre before production to around N841 across key states including Lagos, Abuja, and Rivers. To extend this benefit nationwide, the refinery is rolling out a fleet of 4,000 trucks powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
Between June and early September 2025, the facility exported over 1.1 billion litres of petrol, supporting both domestic needs and foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria. Dangote emphasized that contrary to fears of job losses, the refinery has generated thousands of new employment opportunities. The CNG truck project alone is set to create approximately 24,000 jobs spanning drivers, mechanics, fleet coordinators, and support personnel.
Dangote stated that team members earn wages triple the minimum salary. Drivers receive fair pay, life and health insurance for their families, plus lifelong pensions. We are not eliminating jobs.
Dangote framed the refinery as a catalyst for Nigeria’s larger industrial growth. He urged the government to crack down on dumping cheap imported goods, warning that excessive reliance on imports exports jobs and deepens poverty.
Dangote also revealed plans to increase the facility’s capacity to 700,000 barrels daily in its second year and aim for Nigeria to lead Africa in refining, fertilizer, and polypropylene manufacturing. These expansions are expected to boost foreign earnings, create more jobs, and stimulate growth in related sectors.
He reiterated that despite opportunities to enter fuel retail, the refinery will focus on partnering with downstream stakeholders instead of owning filling stations. Dangote also thanked the Federal Government, regulatory bodies, and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) for their support in distribution efforts.
Showcasing some of the newly introduced CNG trucks, Dangote assured that government and security agencies are dedicated to protecting both drivers and infrastructure.
Leave a comment