The Dangote Refinery has marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s history by ending the country’s five-decade-long struggle with fuel queues.
According to Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, the refinery’s production of petrol has brought relief to Nigerians who have endured persistent fuel queues since 1975.
Dangote noted that the refinery’s production has ushered in a new era for Nigeria, with the country now poised to become a refining hub for Africa.
He emphasized that the refinery has sufficient capacity to meet Nigeria’s domestic demand while also generating foreign exchange through exports.
In fact, the facility has already exported over 1.1 billion liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) between June and the first week of September 2025.
The Dangote Refinery is not only meeting domestic demand but also creating thousands of new employment opportunities.
Dangote emphasized that the refinery has no intention of displacing workers but is instead generating jobs across various sectors.
The deployment of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks is expected to create at least 24,000 jobs across Nigeria.
Dangote reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s industrialization, describing it as essential for the continent’s development.
He emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to protect its local industries and discourage the dumping of cheap foreign goods, citing the collapse of the once-thriving textile sector as a cautionary example.
Looking ahead, Dangote announced that the refinery’s capacity would be expanded to 700,000 barrels per day in its second year of operation, with the aim of further supporting economic growth and job creation.
The refinery also plans to become the largest exporter of polypropylene and aims to make Nigeria the world’s leading producer of fertilizer, generating substantial foreign exchange and stimulating growth in other sectors.
Dangote reiterated that the refinery remains open to partnerships and collaborations with other stakeholders in the downstream sector, stressing that the industry stands to gain more through collective effort and cooperation.
He also clarified that the refinery has no plans to enter the retail market, noting that he declined opportunities to acquire filling stations when they were offered for sale.
The Dangote Refinery’s achievement marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s economic development, and its impact is expected to be felt across the country.
With its commitment to job creation, industrialization, and economic growth, the refinery is poised to play a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s economic future.
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