Dangote: Refinery Has Resolved Nigeria’s 50-Year Struggle with Fuel Queues

The President and Chief Executive of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Aliko Dangote, has stated that Nigeria’s long-standing struggle with fuel queues has come to an end since the refinery began producing petrol a year ago.

Speaking at a conference to mark the first anniversary of the 650,000 barrels-per-day facility, Dangote noted that Nigerians had faced persistent fuel shortages and queues since 1975, but the situation has steadily improved since the refinery commenced production on September 3, 2024.

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

Dangote acknowledged the difficulties encountered during the establishment of the refinery but emphasised that the company remained committed to Nigeria and Africa. He explained that some critics believed the refinery project threatened existing businesses, but insisted its purpose was to strengthen the downstream sector, reduce reliance on imports, and build national and continental pride.

He disclosed that constructing the refinery involved significant risks, with warnings from industry experts, investors, and officials who argued that such projects were typically undertaken only by sovereign nations. Dangote admitted that if the venture had 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.

Despite economic challenges and opposition, Dangote explained that the refinery has already contributed to lowering petrol prices, which fell from nearly N1,100 before production began to about N841 in the Southwest, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara. He added that the gradual introduction of compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks would help extend the price reduction across the country.

The refinery, according to Dangote, has the capacity to meet Nigeria’s domestic demand and generate foreign exchange through exports. Between June and early September 2025, the facility exported over 1.1 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

On job creation, Dangote stressed that the refinery is not displacing workers but generating new opportunities. The planned deployment of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks is expected to create at least 24,000 jobs nationwide. He noted that employees receive salaries well above the minimum wage, alongside health insurance, life insurance, pensions, and other benefits.

He clarified that while the company respects trade unions, joining them is a matter of personal choice for its drivers.

Dangote also reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s industrialisation, describing it as the foundation for sustainable economic growth. He cautioned against the dumping of cheap foreign goods, citing the collapse of the textile sector as an example of the consequences of weak protection for local industries.

“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,” he said.

Dangote concluded by stressing that many sectors of the Nigerian economy remain in urgent need of industrialisation, adding that strengthening local industries is vital to sustaining economic progress.