Dangote Refinery Ends 50 Years of Fuel Queues in Nigeria

Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, proudly announced that Nigeria’s long-standing issue with fuel queues, which has persisted for five decades, has come to an end since the refinery began petrol production a year ago.

Dangote Refinery

Cablenews24 reports that speaking at a conference marking the inaugural anniversary of the 650,000 barrels-per-day facility, he noted that Nigerians have been grappling with fuel shortages since 1975, but the situation has improved since the refinery started operations on September 3, 2024.

“We have battled fuel queues since 1975, but today marks a new chapter for Nigerians,” Dangote asserted.

Despite facing numerous challenges during the refinery’s establishment, Dangote emphasized the company’s steadfast commitment to Nigeria and the African continent. He pointed out misconceptions that the refinery project was detrimental to local livelihoods, stating that it actually aims to uplift the nation and the continent as a whole. He remarked that previously only two African countries were free of petrol imports, but unfortunately, both have resumed reliance on external supplies, harming Africa’s interests.

Dangote Refinery

Reflecting on the risks associated with developing the refinery, Dangote shared that he faced cautionary advice from industry experts and officials who claimed that such large-scale projects are typically reserved for sovereign nations. He acknowledged that failure would have resulted in significant financial losses for him.

“The decision to build the refinery was daunting. If it had faltered, lenders would have taken our assets. Yet, our belief in Nigeria and Africa propelled us forward,” he explained.

Thanks to the refinery’s operations, petrol prices have dropped from nearly N1,100 before production began to N841 across several regions including the Southwest, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara. The introduction of CNG-powered trucks is expected to further reduce prices nationwide.

ALSO READ: Dangote Denies Owning Truck That Caused The Enugu Accident

Dangote highlighted that the refinery has the capacity to meet Nigeria’s domestic demand and also generate foreign exchange through exports, having shipped over 1.1 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in the last few months of 2025.

Focusing on job creation, he assured that the refinery would not displace existing jobs but would instead create thousands of new opportunities. The planned rollout of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks is anticipated to generate at least 24,000 jobs throughout Nigeria.

“We are not displacing any jobs; we are creating many more,” he affirmed. “Our workforce earns salaries significantly above the minimum wage, and our drivers receive comprehensive benefits, including insurance and pensions.”

Dangote also clarified that while the company respects trade unions, union membership is a choice left to individual drivers.

He reiterated his commitment to Nigeria’s industrialization, highlighting its importance for the continent’s growth. Dangote urged the need to protect local industries against foreign competition, citing the decline of Nigeria’s textile sector as a critical lesson.

“Other nations were not industrialized by outsiders. We need to build our own economies to attract investments. This is why I advocate for legislation that supports the ‘Nigeria First’ policy. Our future prosperity depends on reducing our dependency on imports,” he said.

Looking to the future, Dangote revealed plans to increase the refinery’s capacity to 700,000 barrels per day in its second year, further promoting economic growth and job creation. He expressed confidence that Nigeria is poised to become the refining hub of Africa and aims to make it a leading exporter of polypropylene and fertiliser.

“We are dedicated to helping our government enhance value, create jobs, and build a robust economy,” he concluded.

Dangote also thanked the Federal Government, business partners, workforce, and the Nigerian public for their support, commending the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) for its role in facilitating the CNG truck initiative.

During the event, he showcased CNG-powered trucks currently loading petrol from the refinery, reassuring the public about the safety and security of operations, underlining that Nigeria operates under the rule of law, ensuring protection for its citizens and infrastructure.

About Cablenews24:
At CableNews24, we’re your trusted companion in navigating today’s fast-paced world. We are your gateway to a world of instant information, updates, and compelling stories. We are not just an online TV and newspaper website, we offer a dynamic mix of up-to-the-minute news, and insightful articles, CableNews24 delivers everything you need to stay connected. Whether you’re catching breaking news in real-time or exploring in-depth coverage through our online newspaper, we promise to keep you informed, entertained, and ahead of the curve. From local happenings to global events, we deliver news that matters.  Join the CableNews24 experience – where news meets convenience, and your world comes alive.

CableNews24 – News, Anytime, Anywhere.

For Advertisement, Event Coverage/MC, Public Relations, Story/Article Publication, and other Media Services, kindly send an email to: cablenews24.com@gmail.com OR Kindly call: 08023535955 . To stay updated with the latest news stories, kindly visit cablenews24.com published by AAAANDREL GLOBAL SERVICES