Our CNG-powered trucks will create 24,000 jobs. In the last year, we reduced petrol prices by N259. Our employees earn salaries three times the minimum wage.
Dangote when addressing audience in Lagos during a conference held to celebrate the one-year anniversary of petrol production from the refinery with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day.
The initial phase of the company’s direct fuel distribution initiative involved the deployment of trucks.
He said: “Despite opposition and economic headwinds, the refinery has successfully reduced the price of petrol from nearly N1,100 before production began to N841 in the South West, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara.
“We have been battling fuel queues since 1975, but today Nigerians are witnessing a new era.
“The journey has been challenging because we sought to transform the downstream sector in Nigeria. Some believed we were taking food from their tables, which simply isn’t true.
“What we have done is to make our country and continent proud. Previously, only two African countries were not importing petrol, but regrettably, they have since resumed imports. This is detrimental to Africa.
“The deployment of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks is expected to create at least 24,000 jobs across Nigeria. We have not displaced any jobs; we are creating many more. The CNG trucks will not be operated by robots.
“Our employees earn salaries three times the minimum wage. Our drivers receive a living wage, life insurance, health insurance covering themselves, their spouses, and up to four children, as well as a lifelong pension. We are not only employing drivers but also mechanics, fleet managers, and other professionals to support the CNG fleet.
“Nigeria has now become the refining hub of Africa. We are set to become the largest exporter of polypropylene and are aiming to make Nigeria the world’s leading producer of fertiliser.
“These initiatives will generate substantial foreign exchange, create employment, and stimulate growth in other sectors.
“We are fully committed to supporting the government in adding value, creating jobs, and building a stronger economy.
“Other nations were not industrialised by outsiders. We must build and industrialise our own economies.
“Without this, how can others invest? That is why I believe the National Assembly should enact legislation to support the Federal Government’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy.
“My goal is to see Africa prosper, as we have the fastest-growing population in the world. Relying on imports means exporting jobs and importing poverty.
“Many individuals with greater financial resources than myself want to invest, but the challenges we face discourage them. Numerous sectors are still in urgent need of industrialization.”
