Dangote: We’re Creating Jobs, Not Taking Them Away — Refinery Driving Industrial Growth
Billionaire industrialist and President/Chief Executive of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Aliko Dangote, says the company’s operations are ending Nigeria’s decades-long struggle with fuel queues while creating thousands of new jobs, not displacing workers.
Speaking at an event in Lagos to mark the first anniversary of petrol production at the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery, Dangote said the facility had ushered in “a new era” for Nigeria’s energy sector since commencing operations on September 3, 2024.
“For nearly 50 years, Nigerians endured endless fuel queues. That era is over,” he declared.
Risks and Rewards
Dangote reflected on the enormous risks taken to build the refinery, admitting that industry players, investors, and even government officials had warned that such mega projects were usually reserved for sovereign states. “If it had failed, I would have lost everything to the lenders. But we believed in Nigeria and Africa,” he said.
Despite initial scepticism, the refinery has since driven down petrol prices from about N1,100 per litre to N841 in several states including Abuja, Lagos, Rivers, and Delta. Exports have also taken off, with over 1.1 billion litres of petrol shipped between June and early September 2025.
Jobs, Not Job Losses
Addressing concerns about job displacement, Dangote stressed that the refinery is generating new opportunities. The rollout of 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks, he said, would create at least 24,000 jobs for drivers, mechanics, fleet managers, and other professionals.
“We are not replacing people with machines. We’re creating sustainable jobs. Our workers earn triple the minimum wage and enjoy life insurance, health cover for their families, and a lifelong pension,” he said.
Push for Industrialisation
Beyond fuel, Dangote positioned the refinery as a cornerstone of Africa’s industrial growth, warning against overreliance on imports. “Importing cheap goods only exports jobs and imports poverty. Industrialisation is the only path to prosperity,” he argued, urging the National Assembly to enact laws that would strengthen the federal government’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy.
He cited the collapse of Nigeria’s once-booming textile industry as a cautionary tale, emphasising the importance of protecting local industries.
Looking Ahead
Dangote announced plans to expand refinery capacity to 700,000 barrels per day in its second year of operation. He also revealed ambitions to make Nigeria the largest exporter of polypropylene and a global leader in fertiliser production.
“We are turning Nigeria into Africa’s refining hub,” he said, adding that these ventures would boost foreign exchange earnings and stimulate other sectors.
Dangote thanked the federal government, partners, staff, and Nigerians for their support. He also praised the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) for backing the refinery’s free distribution initiative using the new CNG trucks.
On security, he assured that truck drivers and infrastructure would be fully protected, noting that “Nigeria is governed by the rule of law, and our security agencies are up to the task.”
The event also featured the unveiling of some of the newly deployed CNG trucks, with Dangote reaffirming that the full fleet would be rolled out nationwide in the coming months.
