The Dangote Group has begun deploying 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks to transport petroleum products nationwide, as the company defended its operations against claims of monopolistic practices and highlighted its contribution to industrialisation, job creation, and economic growth.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, said the company had invested ₦2 trillion in trucks and logistics. He described the new CNG fleet as part of efforts to stabilise fuel supply and modernise Nigeria’s transportation sector.

“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,” Dangote said.

He added that the fleet includes 10,000 trucks, encompassing both CNG and dry cargo carriers, and that daily arrivals would bring the total number of CNG trucks to 10,250 by November.

The launch coincides with the refinery’s first anniversary of petrol production. Dangote emphasised that the facility has ended Nigeria’s five-decade-long struggle with fuel queues.

“We have been battling fuel queues since 1975, but today Nigerians are witnessing a new era,” he said, noting that the refinery began operations on 3 September 2024. Since then, the company has lifted 40,000 tonnes of diesel monthly and exported over 1.6 billion litres of fuel, including more than 1.1 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit between June and early September 2025.

Addressing criticisms from petrol marketers who accused the company of monopolistic practices, Dangote rejected the claims.

“We have not displaced any jobs; we are creating many more. The CNG trucks will not be operated by robots. 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 said. He clarified that while the refinery respects trade unions, membership is voluntary.

Dangote also outlined future plans for expansion, including the introduction of electric vehicles by January 2026 and the refinement of domestic and export capacities. The refinery’s output aims to meet Nigeria’s domestic demand while generating foreign exchange. He highlighted the goal of making Nigeria the world’s largest producer of fertiliser and a hub for polypropylene production.

The industrialist stressed that Nigeria’s path to economic growth requires local industrialisation to create jobs, add value, and reduce dependence on imports. “Other nations were not industrialised by outsiders. We must build and industrialise our own economies. Relying on imports means exporting jobs and importing poverty,” he said.

Dangote also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the government and other stakeholders in the downstream sector. He clarified that the refinery has no plans to enter the retail market, having declined previous offers to acquire filling stations. With the gradual rollout of CNG-powered trucks, Dangote said products can now be delivered nationwide, reducing logistical risks while ensuring consistent supply to consumers.