- Aliko Dangote dismissed monopoly claims as Dangote Group rolled out 4,000 CNG trucks in Lagos, creating 24,000 jobs.
- He said the company plans to expand to 10,250 trucks by November and introduce electric vehicles in 2026.
Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, dismissed allegations of monopolistic practices in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector on Monday, September 15, as the company rolled out 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks in Lagos.
Speaking at a press conference at the Dangote Refinery, Dangote said the group has already invested ₦2 trillion in trucks and logistics. He explained that the new CNG fleet will ease transportation bottlenecks and stabilise fuel supply nationwide.
“We are not here to take anyone out of the market. The trucks we are deploying have already created 24,000 jobs, with salaries four times the minimum wage,” he said.
In addition, Dangote stressed that the company’s investments focus on modernising the industry, not edging out competitors. He disclosed that the group has purchased 10,000 trucks, including CNG and dry cargo carriers, and pledged to expand operations. “Every day, trucks will be arriving. By the end of November, we will have 10,250 CNG trucks in operation,” he assured.
Looking ahead, Dangote announced plans to introduce electric vehicles by January 2026 as part of the group’s transition strategy. He also pointed to Nigeria’s rising fertiliser output, calling it “a big celebration for Nigeria.”
“We aim to modernise, generate jobs daily, and make life easier for Nigerians. We will not be distracted by the noise of unions,” he added.
Dangote revealed that the group currently lifts 40,000 tonnes of diesel monthly and has exported more than 1.6 billion litres of fuel. He said the group will continue to “take the risks out of Nigeria” while positioning the country as an energy and industrial growth hub.
Meanwhile, Dangote Refinery confirmed that its newly acquired CNG trucks began loading petroleum products on Monday for direct distribution to filling stations nationwide. The refinery received the first batch of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks in August, and Monday’s rollout marked the official launch of its fuel distribution programme.