Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has restated his commitment to job creation, industrialisation, and economic growth in Nigeria and Africa.
Speaking at the Dangote Refinery complex on Monday, he dismissed claims that the launch of his company’s CNG-powered trucks would displace workers, insisting that no jobs had been lost but rather created.
“Our employees earn three times the minimum wage, with benefits including life and health insurance, pensions, and housing loans for drivers with five years of safe service. We employ not only drivers but also mechanics, fleet managers, and other professionals to support the CNG fleet,” Dangote said. He also stressed that union membership remains a personal choice.
Dangote reflected on the refinery’s challenging journey, revealing that the project carried enormous financial risks.
“If it had gone wrong, lenders would have taken all our assets. But we believed in Nigeria and Africa,” he explained.
Despite warnings from industry experts and investors, the refinery is now reducing petrol prices, from nearly N1,100 per litre to N841 in several states, with nationwide impact expected soon.
Between June and early September 2025, the refinery exported over 1.1 billion litres of petrol, demonstrating its capacity to meet Nigeria’s domestic demand while earning foreign exchange through exports.
Dangote further emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to protect local industries from cheap imports. He pointed to the collapse of the textile sector as a lesson, urging legislation to support the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First” policy.
“Relying on imports means exporting jobs and importing poverty,” he warned.
He concluded by affirming that the refinery remains open to partnerships and collaboration, as collective effort is key to building a stronger downstream sector.
