By Peace Udugba
Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, on Monday reaffirmed his commitment to reducing unemployment in Nigeria, stating that his companies will continue to provide jobs and empower Nigerians.
Speaking to journalists at the Dangote Refinery complex, he emphasized that his firm respects trade unions but clarified that union membership remains a personal choice for drivers.
“We’re not displacing anyone. These trucks didn’t take anyone’s job. Will our tankers be driven by robots? No. We’re creating more jobs,” he said.
Dangote disclosed that his drivers earn salaries three times the national minimum wage, with added benefits including life insurance, health insurance for themselves, their spouses, and up to four children, as well as a lifelong pension.
“We’re not only employing drivers, but also mechanics, fleet managers, and other professionals to support the CNG fleet,” he added.
He further revealed that the company’s CNG truck drivers are eligible to apply for housing loans after five years of accident-free service, adding that joining the union is entirely optional.
Dangote also acknowledged the significant challenges the refinery project has faced, stressing the company’s firm commitment to Nigeria and the African continent.
“The journey has been tough because we aimed to transform Nigeria’s downstream sector. Some thought we were taking food off people’s tables, but that’s not true. We’ve made our country and continent proud,” he said.
He noted that while only two African countries previously did not import petrol, they have since resumed imports — a development he described as harmful to Africa’s economic independence.
Reflecting on the refinery’s development, Dangote admitted the project carried immense risk. He said he faced warnings from experts, investors, and both local and international officials who argued that only sovereign nations attempt such large-scale ventures.
“The decision to build the refinery was not easy. If it had failed, lenders would have taken everything we had. But we believed in Nigeria and Africa,” he said.
Nigeria’s path to sustainable growth lies in industrialisation. It increases local productivity, drives employment, and supports a circular economy. Other nations did not industrialise through external players. We must take charge of building our own economies. Without this, how can we attract serious investments?”
He called on the National Assembly to enact legislation in support of the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First” policy, adding, “My goal is to see Africa prosper. With the fastest-growing population in the world, we cannot afford to rely on imports—that’s exporting jobs and importing poverty.”
Dangote noted that many wealthy individuals are eager to invest in Nigeria but are discouraged by structural and policy challenges. “Numerous sectors remain in urgent need of industrialisation,” he said.
With the introduction of CNG trucks, he assured that the refinery now has the logistics capacity to deliver products across Nigeria, mitigating transport risks and ensuring accessibility.
Dangote also reiterated that the refinery is open to partnerships and collaboration with stakeholders in the downstream oil and gas sector, noting that the industry stands to gain more through collective effort and cooperation.
Despite opposition and economic headwinds, the Dangote Refinery has successfully reduced the price of petrol from nearly N1,100 per litre before production began to N841 in key locations such as the Southwest, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara States. With the gradual rollout of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks, Dangote anticipates that this price reduction will soon be felt nationwide.
He stated that the refinery has sufficient capacity to meet Nigeria’s domestic fuel demand while also generating foreign exchange through exports. Between June and the first week of September 2025, the facility exported over 1.1 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), underscoring its potential to serve the local market and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves.
Dangote reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s industrialisation, describing it as vital for Africa’s long-term development. He stressed the importance of protecting local industries and discouraging the influx of cheap imported goods, citing the collapse of Nigeria’s once-thriving textile sector as a cautionary tale.
