The Dangote Refinery has officially begun nationwide fuel distribution, rolling out its fleet of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks across Nigeria from Monday, September 15, 2025. While the move promises cheaper fuel and efficiency, it has also stirred mixed reactions among Nigerians and industry stakeholders.

Over the weekend, hundreds of Dangote trucks were spotted on major roads from the Lekki-Epe axis in Lagos, marking the start of the company’s ambitious plan. The refinery, valued at $20 billion, says it has invested N720 billion in importing 4,000 CNG trucks, with about 1,000 already delivered.

According to the Dangote Group, the initiative could slash retail fuel prices and save Nigeria an estimated N1.7 trillion annually in distribution costs. The refinery also unveiled its new fuel price template, pegging the ex-depot price at N820 per litre, with retail prices ranging between N841 and N851 across states.

Stakeholders React

The launch, however, has triggered concerns within the oil and gas downstream sector. The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), currently at odds with Dangote over alleged anti-labour practices, dismissed the initiative as a “Greek gift.”

Similarly, the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) criticized Dangote’s free delivery model as misleading. On the other hand, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has welcomed the move, urging its members to partner with the refinery.

Safety Concerns

The rollout also comes at a sensitive time, following a rise in Dangote truck-related accidents. Just recently, Ruth Otabor, the sister of Big Brother Naija winner Phyna, tragically lost her life after being crushed by a Dangote truck in Auchi. Over the weekend, another accident involving a Dangote truck and a Benue Links bus left many injured along the Lagos–Kogi expressway.