Dangote Trucks
Only 450 of the planned 4,000 trucks have arrived in Lagos, forcing the refinery to adjust its nationwide fuel distribution scheme despite a N720bn investment.
The much-anticipated fuel distribution scheme of the $20bn Dangote Petroleum Refinery has suffered a setback following delays in the delivery of its fleet of 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks from China.
Although the refinery was scheduled to commence direct fuel distribution on August 15, 2025, the plan stalled when only 450 trucks arrived in Lagos instead of the expected 4,000. A senior executive of Dangote Group confirmed that the shortfall was caused by a global shipping crisis, which limited the number of vessels available to transport the trucks from China. “Two hundred arrived in the first shipment, another 250 in the second, and we are expecting 150 more next week,” the source disclosed, noting that there were not enough ships to move the entire order. The company estimates that at least 60 more shiploads will be required over the next six weeks to deliver the full fleet.
In June, the refinery announced it was investing N720bn to deploy 4,000 CNG-powered trucks for fuel distribution across Nigeria. The initiative is projected to save Nigerians more than N1.7tn annually in fuel logistics costs while easing inflationary pressures and reducing cross-border smuggling.
The programme is also expected to benefit over 42 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by lowering energy expenses, while creating more than 15,000 direct jobs across the logistics value chain, including drivers, station managers, and attendants at new CNG stations.
However, the rollout has not been without controversy. Initially, the refinery’s plan to supply fuel directly to filling stations and bulk users sparked backlash from tanker drivers and the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), who feared massive job losses and disruption of existing supply networks.
Following several stakeholder meetings, an agreement was reached: Dangote will sell fuel to bulk buyers including NOGASA members, for onward distribution, rather than bypassing traditional channels. NOGASA’s National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, confirmed the development, saying, “Dangote has agreed to work with us by supplying products through bulk buyers. This means the existing supply chain will be preserved, and jobs will not be lost.”
Despite the current logistics setback, Dangote Industries insists the programme remains central to its mission of eliminating bottlenecks, enhancing energy efficiency, and driving economic growth in Nigeria.
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