Keypoints:
- 1.1bn litres of petrol exported since June
- Pump prices drop to ₦841 in key states
- 4,000 CNG trucks to create 24,000 jobs
NIGERIA’S decades-long fuel crisis may finally be over as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery celebrated its first year of petrol production by announcing the export of more than 1.1 bn litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) between June and early September 2025.
Aliko Dangote, president and chief executive of the refinery, revealed the milestone at a Lagos conference on Monday, declaring that the privately built facility has brought an end to nearly 50 years of recurring fuel queues.
‘We have been battling fuel queues since 1975, but today Nigerians are witnessing a new era,’ Dangote said.
Steady supply reshapes domestic market
Since beginning operations on September 15, 2024, the 650,000-barrel-per-day plant has consistently met local demand while earning foreign exchange through exports. Dangote said the dual focus on exports and domestic supply proves the refinery can meet Nigeria’s needs while supporting economic growth.
He acknowledged the risks behind the multibillion-dollar project. ‘If it had gone wrong, lenders would have taken our assets. But we believed in Nigeria and Africa,’ he noted, recalling early scepticism from experts and government officials who argued that only sovereign states could manage such a venture.
Lower pump prices and new jobs
The refinery’s impact is already visible at the pump. Petrol, which sold for nearly ₦1,100 before production began, now retails at about ₦841 across the South West, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo and Kwara states. Dangote expressed confidence that prices will drop further nationwide as the company deploys a new fleet of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks.
As part of its expansion, the company plans to introduce 4,000 CNG-powered trucks, a move expected to generate at least 24,000 jobs. Dangote said employees enjoy competitive pay, health and life insurance, and pensions. ‘Our employees earn salaries three times the minimum wage. Our drivers receive a living wage, life insurance, health insurance and a lifelong pension,’ he added.
Expansion to boost Africa’s refining capacity
Looking ahead, the refinery aims to increase capacity to 700,000 barrels per day in its second year. Dangote also outlined ambitions to make Nigeria Africa’s refining hub, the world’s largest exporter of polypropylene, and a leading fertiliser producer.
He urged policymakers to support domestic industry and reduce dependence on imports. ‘Relying on imports means exporting jobs and importing poverty. Nigeria must industrialise to secure its economic future,’ he stressed.
While the refinery will not compete directly in the retail fuel market, Dangote said it remains open to partnerships across the downstream sector.
