In a powerful address delivered at his sprawling refinery complex on Monday, September 15, 2025, Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to reducing Nigeria’s unemployment rate and fostering industrialization across the country and the African continent. Speaking to a gathering of media representatives, Dangote outlined his vision for economic transformation, emphasizing job creation, sustainable industrial growth, and the strategic role of his conglomerate in driving Nigeria’s economic independence. His remarks underscored the transformative potential of the Dangote Refinery and the recently launched Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) truck initiative, which he described as pivotal to both economic and environmental progress.
A Commitment to Employment and Economic Empowerment
Dangote began his address by addressing concerns about the potential impact of his company’s initiatives on existing jobs, particularly in the transportation and logistics sectors. He firmly dismissed claims that the introduction of CNG-powered trucks would lead to job losses, emphasizing that his conglomerate is focused on creating opportunities rather than displacing workers. “We are not trying to take anybody out of the market. These trucks that we launched didn’t stop anybody from their work,” Dangote stated. “You are saying there will be a loss of jobs, will our own tankers be driven by robots? We have not displaced any jobs; we are creating many more.”
He elaborated on the comprehensive benefits package offered to employees of the Dangote Group, underscoring the company’s commitment to ensuring a high quality of life for its workforce. “Our employees earn salaries three times the minimum wage. Our drivers receive a living wage, life insurance, health insurance covering themselves, their spouses, and up to four children, as well as a lifelong pension,” he explained. This approach, he noted, extends beyond drivers to include mechanics, fleet managers, and other professionals involved in supporting the CNG fleet, ensuring a broad spectrum of job opportunities.
Dangote also highlighted a unique incentive for CNG truck drivers: the opportunity to apply for housing loans after five years of accident-free service. This initiative, he emphasized, is designed to empower employees and provide long-term financial security. Addressing concerns about trade unions, Dangote clarified that while the company respects the role of unions, membership remains a personal choice for each driver. “We respect trade unions, but it is optional for our drivers to join,” he said, reinforcing the company’s commitment to individual autonomy while maintaining harmonious labor relations.
Overcoming Challenges in Building the Refinery
Reflecting on the journey of establishing the Dangote Refinery, the billionaire industrialist acknowledged the immense challenges faced since the project’s inception. The refinery, one of the largest single-train refineries in the world, represents a bold step toward transforming Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas sector. However, the path to its realization was fraught with skepticism and opposition from various quarters, including industry experts, investors, and government officials, both local and international.
“We were told that only sovereign nations undertake such large-scale refinery ventures,” Dangote recalled. “The decision to build the refinery was not easy. If it had gone wrong, lenders would have taken our assets. But we believed in Nigeria and Africa.” This belief in the potential of Nigeria and the broader African continent drove Dangote to take on the enormous financial and operational risks associated with the project. Had the refinery failed, he admitted, it could have resulted in the loss of his entire business empire. Yet, his faith in the transformative power of industrialization kept the project on course.
The refinery’s success has already begun to reshape Nigeria’s energy landscape. By producing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) domestically, the facility has reduced Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel, a longstanding economic challenge. Dangote revealed that the refinery has the capacity to meet Nigeria’s entire domestic demand for petrol while also generating significant foreign exchange through exports. Between June and the first week of September 2025, the refinery exported over 1.1 billion liters of PMS, a testament to its operational efficiency and economic impact.
Driving Down Fuel Prices and Expanding Access
One of the most tangible benefits of the Dangote Refinery has been its impact on fuel prices. Before the refinery commenced operations, petrol prices in Nigeria had soared to nearly N1,100 per liter in many regions. However, with the refinery now operational, prices have dropped significantly, reaching N841 per liter in the Southwest, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara. This reduction, Dangote noted, is just the beginning, as the gradual rollout of CNG-powered trucks is expected to further lower distribution costs and extend price relief to consumers across the country.
The introduction of CNG trucks is a cornerstone of Dangote’s strategy to enhance efficiency and affordability in the distribution of refined products. By leveraging cleaner and more cost-effective CNG technology, the Dangote Group aims to mitigate the logistical challenges associated with fuel distribution while reducing the environmental impact of its operations. “With the introduction of CNG trucks, the refinery can deliver products to consumers anywhere in Nigeria, mitigating all associated risks,” Dangote said, highlighting the initiative’s potential to ensure nationwide access to affordable fuel.
A Vision for Industrialization and Economic Self-Reliance
Beyond the immediate benefits of job creation and fuel price reduction, Dangote’s address emphasized the broader importance of industrialization for Nigeria’s long-term economic growth. He argued that Nigeria must prioritize the development of local industries to reduce reliance on imports, create jobs, and foster sustainable economic growth. “Other nations were not industrialized by outsiders. We must build and industrialize our own economies. Without this, how can others invest?” he asked.
Dangote pointed to the collapse of Nigeria’s once-thriving textile industry as a cautionary tale of what happens when local industries are not protected. The influx of cheap foreign goods, he argued, has stifled local production and led to job losses, a trend that must be reversed through deliberate policy measures. He called on the National Assembly to enact legislation supporting the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First” policy, which prioritizes the growth of domestic industries. “Relying on imports means exporting jobs and importing poverty,” he warned, urging policymakers to create an enabling environment for industrialization.
The industrialist also highlighted the challenges faced by investors in Nigeria, noting that even individuals with greater financial resources than himself are deterred by the country’s economic and regulatory hurdles. “Many individuals with greater financial resources than myself want to invest, but the challenges we face discourage them,” he said. To address this, Dangote advocated for policies that protect local industries and discourage the dumping of cheap foreign goods, which undermine domestic production.
A Call for Collaboration and Collective Effort
Throughout his address, Dangote emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving Nigeria’s industrial and economic goals. He reiterated that the Dangote Refinery remains open to partnerships with other stakeholders in the downstream oil and gas sector, stressing that collective effort is essential for the industry’s success. “The industry stands to gain more through collective effort and cooperation,” he said, inviting other players to join forces in driving Nigeria’s energy and economic transformation.
This collaborative approach extends to the refinery’s operations, which are designed to complement rather than compete with existing players in the sector. By producing high-quality fuels that meet international standards, the refinery aims to elevate the entire industry while contributing to Nigeria’s economic diversification. Dangote’s vision is not limited to Nigeria; he sees the refinery as a catalyst for Africa’s industrial renaissance, particularly given the continent’s rapidly growing population.
“Africa has the fastest-growing population in the world,” Dangote noted. “My goal is to see Africa prosper.” He expressed concern about the continent’s continued reliance on imported fuels, pointing out that only two African countries had previously achieved self-sufficiency in petrol production, only to resume imports in recent years. “This is detrimental to Africa,” he said, emphasizing the need for African nations to prioritize industrialization and self-reliance.
Environmental and Social Impact of CNG Trucks
The introduction of CNG-powered trucks represents a significant step toward environmental sustainability, aligning with global trends toward cleaner energy sources. CNG, a cleaner-burning fuel compared to traditional diesel or petrol, reduces carbon emissions and contributes to improved air quality. By transitioning its fleet to CNG, the Dangote Group is not only enhancing operational efficiency but also demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship.
The social impact of the CNG initiative is equally significant. By creating jobs for drivers, mechanics, fleet managers, and other professionals, the initiative is fostering economic empowerment at the grassroots level. The comprehensive benefits package offered to employees, including health insurance, life insurance, and pension plans, sets a high standard for corporate social responsibility in Nigeria. The housing loan program for accident-free drivers further underscores Dangote’s commitment to improving the lives of his employees.
A Legacy of Resilience and Vision
Dangote’s address was not just a reflection on the achievements of the Dangote Refinery and the CNG truck initiative; it was a call to action for Nigeria and Africa to embrace industrialization as a pathway to sustainable development. His journey, marked by significant risks and challenges, serves as an inspiration for other entrepreneurs and investors. By defying skeptics and overcoming economic headwinds, Dangote has demonstrated the power of vision, resilience, and a commitment to national progress.
The success of the Dangote Refinery is a testament to what is possible when bold ideas are backed by determination and strategic investment. With the capacity to meet Nigeria’s domestic fuel demand and generate significant foreign exchange through exports, the refinery is poised to play a transformative role in the country’s economy. The introduction of CNG trucks further enhances its impact, ensuring that the benefits of affordable fuel and job creation reach every corner of Nigeria.
Conclusion
Aliko Dangote’s address at the refinery complex on September 15, 2025, painted a compelling picture of a Nigeria on the cusp of economic transformation. Through the Dangote Refinery and the CNG truck initiative, he is not only addressing immediate challenges such as unemployment and high fuel prices but also laying the foundation for long-term industrial growth. His call for policy support, collaboration, and a focus on local industries resonates as a blueprint for Nigeria’s economic future.
As the country grapples with the challenges of a rapidly growing population and a reliance on imports, Dangote’s vision offers a path forward—one that prioritizes job creation, industrialization, and economic self-reliance. By continuing to invest in Nigeria and Africa, despite the risks and challenges, Dangote is setting a powerful example for other industrialists and policymakers. His message is clear: Nigeria’s future lies in its ability to build and sustain its own industries, and the Dangote Group is leading the way in making that vision a reality.
