In what marks a significant step toward reshaping Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas logistics, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has officially received a fleet of 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks at its Lagos facility. The arrival of the vehicles signals an aggressive push towards the refinery’s scheduled fuel distribution rollout set for August 15, 2025.
The trucks, which were delivered through Apapa Port and moved under tight logistical coordination, form part of the Dangote Group’s strategic investment in clean energy and efficient product transportation. With the refinery’s massive 650,000 barrels-per-day capacity poised to reposition Nigeria as a major hub for refined petroleum products in Africa, this development indicates strong momentum in preparation for full commercial operations.
Sources close to the Dangote Group confirmed to KIIN360 that the vehicles will play a crucial role in the inland transportation of refined petroleum products such as PMS, diesel, aviation fuel, and kerosene to major depots across the country. The use of CNG-powered trucks, in particular, underscores a commitment to reducing carbon emissions, lowering transport costs, and aligning with global sustainability goals.
The trucks are expected to significantly ease the pressure on current fuel distribution infrastructure, especially given Nigeria’s decades-old struggle with unreliable pipelines and inadequate road tankers. With the August 15 rollout date drawing near, industry stakeholders are closely watching how the refinery’s operations will impact fuel availability, pump prices, and the country’s dependence on imported refined products.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man and President of the Dangote Group, has repeatedly stated that the refinery was built not just as a business venture, but as a transformative project aimed at ensuring energy security for Nigeria and the West African subregion. Located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, the refinery is the largest single-train refining complex in the world and has already begun producing diesel and aviation fuel, with premium motor spirit (PMS) production expected to begin shortly.
This latest delivery of CNG trucks comes as global oil prices remain volatile, and Nigeria continues its phased transition to cleaner energy sources in line with its energy transition roadmap. Analysts say that the deployment of thousands of gas-powered trucks will also stimulate new demand for CNG refuelling infrastructure across the country, potentially unlocking new investments in Nigeria’s alternative fuel market.
As the country anticipates the commencement of domestic fuel distribution from the long-awaited refinery, hopes are high that the logistics readiness signaled by this fleet acquisition will reduce fuel scarcity, stabilize supply chains, and support macroeconomic recovery in the months ahead.
