The Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has taken delivery of the first batch of its 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered fuel tankers, signalling the start of a nationwide distribution programme scheduled to kick off on August 15.
The fleet—imported through Apapa Port and valued at an estimated ₦720 billion—marks a major shift in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum logistics, with promises of lower transportation costs, improved fuel supply, and greater operational efficiency.
Vice-President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries, Devakumar Edwin, received the trucks at the refinery site in Ibeju-Lekki alongside staff and customers. Group Chief of Branding and Communication, Anthony Chiejina, hailed the development as “groundbreaking” for Nigeria’s fuel sector.
“Given the complexities in global supply chains, the delivery of these specialised CNG-powered tankers is commendable. This ensures operational efficiency while scaling up the fleet,” Chiejina said, adding that 60 shiploads of trucks are expected over the next six weeks.
The refinery projects that the scheme—announced in June—will save Nigerians over ₦1.7 trillion annually in fuel distribution costs, directly benefiting more than 42 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The company says reduced distribution costs will ease production expenses, curb inflation, and boost profitability across sectors.
Beyond cost savings, the initiative is expected to create over 15,000 direct jobs in logistics, revive dormant filling stations, and support a cleaner, CNG-powered transport system. It is also aimed at curbing cross-border smuggling of petroleum products while strengthening national energy security.
With the world’s largest single-train refinery now expanding its operational reach, Dangote Industries says it is determined to pioneer “innovative, sustainable solutions” to transform Nigeria’s fuel distribution network.
