Dangote Declares End to 50-Year Fuel Queue Crisis, Marks First Year of Refinery Production

Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, has declared that Nigeria’s decades-long fuel queue problem is over, one year after the refinery began producing petrol.

Speaking at a press conference commemorating the first anniversary of petrol production at the 650,000 barrels-per-day facility, Dangote recalled that Nigerians have struggled with fuel queues since 1975. However, he said the issue has steadily been resolved since production commenced on September 3, 2024.

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

He acknowledged the numerous challenges faced during the refinery’s development, highlighting that some critics believed the project threatened livelihoods. “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 added.

Dangote also reflected on the risks involved in building the refinery. He revealed that investors, industry experts, and officials cautioned him against the project, arguing that only sovereign nations typically undertake such large-scale refineries. “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 production began, the refinery has lowered petrol prices from nearly N1,100 to N841 in the Southwest, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara. With the rollout of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks, Dangote expects these benefits to extend nationwide.

The refinery has exported over 1.1 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) between June and early September 2025, showing its capacity to meet domestic demand while contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings.

Dangote emphasized the refinery’s role in job creation, dismissing claims that it displaces workers. “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.

He also addressed union concerns, clarifying that while the company respects trade unions, membership is voluntary.

Reaffirming his commitment to Nigeria’s industrialization, Dangote urged protection of local industries and discouragement of cheap foreign imports. “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,” he said.

Looking ahead, Dangote announced plans to expand the refinery’s capacity to 700,000 barrels per day in its second year, aiming to boost economic growth and job creation. “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,” he said.

Dangote thanked the Federal Government, the refinery’s partners, workforce, and the Nigerian public for their support, particularly commending the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) for encouraging registration for free distribution via CNG-powered trucks.

He also showcased some of the CNG trucks currently loading petrol, affirming that the full fleet of 4,000 trucks will soon be deployed nationwide, and reassured that security agencies are empowered to protect both drivers and infrastructure.

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