Byline: Business/Energy Desk
Aliko Dangote has declared an end to Nigeria’s 50-year battle with petrol scarcity, crediting his 650,000-bpd refinery’s first year of production.
A Historic Milestone
Speaking in Lagos at an anniversary briefing, Dangote said: “We have been battling fuel queues since 1975, but today Nigerians are seeing real change.” He added that the refinery had stabilised pump prices, reducing costs from nearly ₦1,100 to about ₦841 per litre across several states.
Jobs and Industrial Impact
Dangote announced the rollout of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks, expected to create at least 24,000 jobs while cutting transport costs. He stressed that workers enjoy health insurance, life cover, and pensions, signalling a new benchmark for corporate welfare.
Next Phase of Expansion
The refinery will expand to 700,000 bpd in its second year, positioning Nigeria as Africa’s refining hub and a global exporter of polypropylene and fertiliser. Dangote urged lawmakers to back the “Nigeria First” policy to protect local industries against dumping of cheap foreign goods.
Dangote ruled out entering retail fuel distribution, focusing instead on wholesale partnerships to consolidate Nigeria’s refining dominance.
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