The Dangote Group has taken delivery of a fresh fleet of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks as part of its drive to expand and modernise fuel distribution across Nigeria. The acquisition is seen as a strategic step to improve logistics efficiency, reduce transportation costs, and support the Federal Government’s push towards cleaner energy alternatives.
Sources within the company disclosed that the newly acquired trucks are specially designed for the safe and efficient transportation of CNG, which is gaining attention as a cheaper and more environmentally friendly fuel compared to conventional petrol and diesel. The trucks will be deployed primarily for the delivery of refined products from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, as well as for broader fuel distribution across strategic markets.
The investment in CNG trucks comes at a time when Nigeria is experiencing heightened pressure on fuel supply chains, with rising demand for efficient distribution systems to ensure product availability nationwide. Dangote’s move is expected to ease bottlenecks in fuel delivery, reduce reliance on diesel-powered trucks, and cut operating expenses in the long term.
Industry experts note that adopting CNG-powered logistics aligns with global trends in energy transition, where large industrial players are diversifying fuel sources and cutting carbon footprints. By introducing CNG trucks, the Dangote Group is positioning itself not only as a leader in refining and fuel supply but also as a pioneer in cleaner fuel distribution in West Africa.
The trucks, built to international safety and performance standards, will also help the company achieve more predictable delivery schedules by reducing downtime and maintenance costs associated with conventional fuel trucks. They are equipped with advanced monitoring systems to track location, fuel levels, and performance in real time, enhancing operational transparency and accountability.
In addition to serving domestic markets, the CNG trucks may also be used for regional distribution to neighbouring West African countries, strengthening Nigeria’s role as a fuel supply hub. This could further improve the utilisation rate of the Dangote Refinery, which has already begun supplying refined products locally and is expected to significantly reduce the country’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
The development also ties into the Federal Government’s renewed focus on gas as a transition fuel. Authorities have been advocating for greater adoption of CNG in transportation, citing its affordability and cleaner-burning properties. CNG-powered vehicles emit less carbon dioxide and particulate matter compared to petrol and diesel engines, contributing to reduced air pollution and improved public health outcomes.
Aliko Dangote, the company’s president, has repeatedly stated that the group’s investments go beyond refining and production, extending to the entire value chain, including storage, transportation, and retail. The acquisition of the CNG trucks is therefore part of a broader strategy to control supply logistics, ensure competitive pricing, and meet the needs of consumers more efficiently.
Market analysts believe that the move could influence other major fuel distributors and logistics operators in Nigeria to adopt similar measures, thereby accelerating the shift to cleaner transportation fuels. This could also stimulate local manufacturing of CNG conversion kits and infrastructure, creating additional economic benefits and jobs.
The trucks are expected to be fully operational in the coming weeks, with deployment prioritised in high-demand areas where the company’s distribution capacity has been stretched by rising fuel consumption. The improved efficiency is anticipated to translate into better fuel availability at retail outlets, potentially reducing instances of scarcity and long queues at filling stations.
As Nigeria navigates a challenging fuel market shaped by fluctuating crude oil prices, foreign exchange constraints, and evolving energy policies, Dangote’s investment in CNG logistics represents a forward-looking approach to sustaining supply and lowering costs. The integration of cleaner, more efficient transport into the company’s distribution network reinforces its position as a key player in the country’s energy transition, while also addressing immediate operational challenges in fuel delivery.
With the Dangote Refinery ramping up operations and the government encouraging a gradual shift from petrol and diesel to gas-based alternatives, the introduction of these CNG trucks could mark the beginning of a new phase in Nigeria’s downstream sector — one that combines large-scale industrial capacity with cleaner, more sustainable distribution systems.
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