Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria’s largest refinery operator, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, has rolled out 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks across the country, promising to create at least 24,000 jobs.
The announcement was made in a recent interview with Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Group.
“This initiative is not about displacing existing jobs,” Dangote emphasized. “We have not displaced any jobs; we are creating many more. Each CNG truck comes with six direct jobs, from drivers to mechanics, ensuring that thousands of families are empowered.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelModernizing Nigeria’s Fuel Distribution
The deployment of the CNG trucks is part of Dangote Refinery’s broader strategy to modernize Nigeria’s fuel transportation network and reduce logistics costs. The refinery has invested ₦2 trillion in its fleet, which includes 10,000 trucks overall 4,000 CNG tankers and 6,000 dry cargo vehicles. By the end of November 2025, the fleet is expected to expand to 10,250 CNG trucks.
“This is a transformative step for Nigeria’s fuel distribution,” Dangote said. “We have been battling fuel queues since 1975, but today Nigerians are witnessing a new era.”
The modernization of fuel distribution promises more efficient fuel delivery and reduced shortages, directly benefiting millions of Nigerians who have long faced fuel scarcity.
Creating Jobs and Employee Benefits
The initiative is set to create high-paying employment opportunities, with wages approximately three to four times the national minimum wage. Employees will also receive health insurance, life insurance, and lifelong pension coverage.
“The drivers receive a living wage, life insurance, health coverage for themselves, their spouses, and up to four children, as well as pension benefits,” Dangote said.
Thousands of families across the country will benefit from stable jobs and income, addressing unemployment and poverty, particularly in areas with limited economic opportunities.
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Economic and Social Impact
The refinery’s logistics plan has already contributed to reduced fuel prices and improved availability. Since Dangote Refinery began petrol production in September 2024:
- Fuel shortages have declined significantly.
- Petrol prices in key states have dropped from nearly ₦1,100 per litre to about ₦841 per litre.
- Over 1.1 billion litres of petrol were exported between June and September 2025.
Dangote also revealed plans to introduce electric vehicles to the fleet by January 2026, demonstrating a move toward greener energy solutions.
Addressing Concerns from Labor Groups
Some labor unions, including NUPENG, raised concerns about monopoly and job displacement. Dangote dismissed these claims, stating that the program focuses on job creation, technological innovation, and efficient fuel delivery.
“This rollout is designed to create opportunities, not take them away,” Dangote said, reiterating that the fleet expansion aligns with national economic growth and modernization goals.
The deployment of 4,000 CNG trucks is more than a corporate expansion – it is a strategic move with real benefits for Nigeria’s economy and citizens. By creating 24,000 new jobs, offering competitive wages and benefits, and modernizing the fuel distribution network, Dangote Refinery addresses long-standing issues of unemployment, fuel scarcity, and logistics inefficiency.
For ordinary Nigerians, this initiative means more job opportunities, reliable and affordable fuel, and a model for industrial innovation that can drive economic growth, inspire similar initiatives, and improve livelihoods nationwide.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
