Aliko Dangote declared that his refinery has ended Nigeria’s 50-year fuel queues, cut petrol prices, created jobs, and positioned the nation as Africa’s refining hub.
President/Chief Executive of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Aliko Dangote, has declared that Nigeria’s decades-long struggle with fuel queues has ended following one year of petrol production at his refinery.
Speaking at an anniversary conference on September 3, Dangote noted that Nigerians had faced persistent fuel queues since 1975. “We have been battling fuel queues since 1975, but today Nigerians are witnessing a new era,” he said.
Dangote acknowledged the challenges of building the 650,000 barrels-per-day facility, saying the venture carried enormous risks. “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 stated.
The refinery, he said, has reduced petrol prices from nearly N1,100 to N841 in several states and Abuja, with CNG-powered trucks expected to spread the impact nationwide. Between June and early September 2025, the facility exported 1.1 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit, confirming its ability to meet domestic demand while generating foreign exchange.
On job creation, Dangote assured that no workers were displaced but rather thousands employed. He revealed that 4,000 CNG trucks would create at least 24,000 jobs with strong welfare packages.
He urged Nigeria to industrialise to protect jobs, discourage imports, and drive sustainable growth. “Relying on imports means exporting jobs and importing poverty,” he warned.
Dangote added that the refinery will expand capacity to 700,000 barrels per day in its second year, reinforcing Nigeria’s role as Africa’s refining hub.
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