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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has officially received the first batch of its much-anticipated fleet of 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks, a transformative move set to redefine Nigeria’s downstream petroleum distribution system.
The trucks, which are part of an estimated ₦720 billion capital investment, arrived through Apapa Port and were delivered to the refinery site in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos. Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries, Devakumar Edwin, received the vehicles alongside key staff members, customers, and logistics partners.
According to the company, this strategic investment aims to reduce fuel distribution costs, improve supply chain efficiency, and promote environmental sustainability. The official fuel distribution programme is scheduled to begin on August 15, 2025.
“Given the complexities inherent in global supply chains, the delivery of these specialised CNG-powered tankers is groundbreaking for Nigeria’s petroleum sector,” said Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief of Branding and Communication at Dangote Industries.
He explained that the trucks would significantly lower logistics expenses, ensure consistent fuel availability nationwide, and foster economic stability. Over the next six weeks, the refinery expects about 60 additional shiploads of CNG trucks to arrive in Nigeria.
The deployment of CNG-powered tankers comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s energy sector, as high diesel costs and inflationary pressures continue to impact the economy. By using CNG instead of diesel, the refinery projects an annual saving of over ₦1.7 trillion in transportation costs alone.
This initiative will also:
Support over 42 million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by lowering operational costs.
Revive dormant filling stations across the country.
Create more than 15,000 direct jobs in the logistics value chain, including drivers, station managers, and attendants.
Reduce cross-border smuggling by improving domestic supply efficiency.
CNG-powered trucks emit significantly less carbon compared to diesel-powered alternatives, aligning with Nigeria’s climate action goals. The programme also supports the Federal Government’s gas expansion initiative, which aims to diversify Nigeria’s energy sources while leveraging its abundant natural gas reserves.
Industry analysts believe that the Dangote initiative could set a new benchmark for energy logistics in Africa, paving the way for cleaner, more cost-efficient fuel distribution models.
“By reducing transportation bottlenecks and lowering fuel costs, this programme will have a direct impact on inflation and economic growth,” said an independent energy analyst, Engr. Kola Adeniran. “It could be a blueprint for other African markets facing similar challenges.”
With the largest single-train refinery in the world ramping up operations, Dangote Industries says its focus is on building a fully integrated energy ecosystem that benefits both the economy and the environment. The company’s investment in logistics infrastructure underscores its long-term strategy to maintain control over the entire petroleum value chain — from refining to final delivery at fuel stations.
The first fleet is expected to hit the roads immediately after the August 15 launch, marking the beginning of what could be the most significant transformation in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum distribution in decades.