The Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals is set to receive 60 more Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered fuel trucks over the next six weeks, in a bold step toward transforming Nigeria’s fuel distribution landscape.
The update was confirmed on Sunday by Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief of Branding and Communication at Dangote Industries Limited, who said the trucks are part of an extensive logistics strategy to enhance the nationwide delivery of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
According to the company, the phased reception of the CNG trucks began recently as part of a broader rollout of fuel logistics infrastructure, ahead of full-scale operations scheduled to commence on August 15. The move is aimed at slashing logistics costs and improving fuel supply efficiency to consumers across Nigeria.
The trucks, which are being imported through Apapa Port, represent a significant capital injection into Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector. The total investment in the new fleet is valued at an estimated ₦720 billion, underscoring Dangote’s long-term commitment to self-sufficiency and efficiency in fuel distribution.
The first batch of these state-of-the-art trucks was officially received at the company’s refinery in Ibeju-Lekki by Devakumar Edwin, Vice President, Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited.
“This is a landmark moment for fuel logistics in Nigeria,” Edwin stated. “Deploying these specialised CNG-powered trucks ensures greater operational efficiency as we scale up distribution. The complexity of global supply chains makes this a commendable milestone in our journey toward a more resilient and efficient distribution system.”
The refinery anticipates the arrival of at least 60 shiploads of CNG trucks in the coming weeks, forming part of a total order of 4,000 trucks. This strategic rollout is designed to drive down fuel delivery costs, curb smuggling, and make clean energy more accessible to Nigerians.
According to the company, the new CNG-based distribution model could save Nigerians over ₦1.7 trillion every year in fuel logistics costs. Dangote Refinery itself is expected to absorb ₦1.07 trillion annually in fuel distribution expenses.
One of the most significant expected beneficiaries of the project is Nigeria’s vast base of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). With over 42 million MSMEs currently operating across the country, the reduced cost of energy is projected to improve business margins and long-term sustainability.
Beyond financial savings, the initiative is poised to revolutionise fuel logistics infrastructure in Nigeria. The influx of trucks is expected to revive inactive fuel stations, especially in rural and under-served communities, while creating an estimated 15,000 direct jobs in areas such as truck driving, station management, and customer service roles at newly established CNG filling stations.
From a security perspective, the refinery’s truck fleet will also help combat cross-border fuel smuggling, a persistent challenge that undermines local supply and government revenue.
This strategic programme aligns with Dangote’s broader efforts to address the structural inefficiencies in Nigeria’s petroleum supply chain, reduce inflationary pressures, and stimulate economic growth. The company emphasized its collaboration with regulators and key stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation.
The project also strengthens Nigeria’s environmental agenda, promoting cleaner, gas-based transportation as a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel-powered logistics.
Reacting to the development, Tosin Coker, Commercial Coordinator of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), commended the initiative as both visionary and timely.
“Dangote Group’s commitment to acquiring 4,000 CNG trucks is not just ambitious it’s transformative,” said Coker. “It sends a strong message that CNG is no longer a futuristic concept but a viable, present-day solution to Nigeria’s energy and logistics challenges.”
The CNG fleet initiative is part of Dangote Industries’ multi-pronged strategy to create a robust, efficient, and sustainable fuel distribution network across Nigeria, anchored in innovation, environmental consciousness, and economic inclusion.
