The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has assured Nigerians that fuel queues are over. Speaking in Abuja after a meeting with President Tinubu, he said the refinery can now supply 50 million litres of petrol daily. “Historically, Nigeria has battled fuel queues since 1972. For the first time, we are eliminating those queues, not through imports but by producing locally,” he said.
Dangote said the refinery will soon produce even more, with 15–20 million litres extra by February. “This will allow exports to neighbouring countries, reducing the incidence of fuel scarcity across West Africa,” he explained. He also noted that local industries, like plastics, will now have reliable access to feedstock.
Looking ahead, Dangote revealed plans to build the world’s largest refinery by 2028, with a capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day. “We have already signed the necessary agreements. Construction piling begins before the end of January, and we will deliver on schedule,” he said. He also plans to expand urea production to 12 million tonnes annually.
On fuel prices, Dangote said competition and reduced smuggling are helping. “Prices are going down because we must compete with imports. Luckily, smuggling has dropped significantly, though not completely,” he said. He urged Nigerians to invest in industries rather than luxury items: “If you have money for a private jet, invest in industries and create jobs.”
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