As the 2025 Yuletide draws near, President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has reaffirmed his company’s readiness to deliver 50 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), daily — a supply volume he insists will finally bring an end to Nigeria’s decades-long fuel scarcity crises.
The pledge, which aligns with the ongoing output from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, comes at a time when the refinery says it is supplying between 40–50 million litres of petrol daily, with expectations to scale further to keep fuel stations wet throughout the festive season and into 2026.
“Fuel Queues Are History” — Dangote
Speaking to State House correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Dangote declared that Nigeria’s perennial fuel shortages — which he said date back to 1972 — are now a thing of the past.
“We have actually removed those queues. It’s not about relying on imports. We have confirmed to the NMDPRA that we can supply 50 million litres every day. Even while servicing the refineries, there are no queues. Fuel queues will never happen again, by the grace of God.”
The refinery has already written to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), inviting regulators to conduct daily verification of production and stock levels to ensure transparency.
A Vision to Become the World’s Largest Refinery
Dangote further revealed an ambitious expansion plan aimed at turning the refinery into the largest single-train refining complex in the world by 2028.
The current plans will raise the facility’s processing capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd) — overtaking India’s Reliance Refinery, currently at 1.2–1.25 million bpd.
“By 2028, we will take this refinery to the largest in the world. We have already launched and signed. Piling for the expansion starts before the end of January.”
Such capacity will not only consolidate Nigeria’s domestic fuel security but also position the country as a major global refining hub.
Supplying Nigeria, West Africa — and the West
Beyond domestic needs, the refinery has begun exporting refined petroleum products.
“For the first time, we are suppliers to Europe and the US,” Dangote noted.
He added that, beginning February 2026, Nigeria will have 15–20 million litres more than its daily consumption, leaving a significant surplus for export. This surplus will also ensure fuel stability across West African countries, many of which currently experience irregular supply.
“Even our neighbouring countries won’t have queues at all — they can buy officially from us.”
The company’s distribution strategy includes enhanced logistics, expanded supply chains, and support for industries that previously relied on expensive imports.
Impact on Nigeria’s Economy and Manufacturing
Dangote emphasized that the refinery’s output will relieve Nigerian manufacturers — especially plastic producers — who spend $350–$400 million annually on imported feedstock.
With domestic supply guaranteed, these industries will save foreign exchange, reduce production costs, and increase competitiveness.
Confronting Smuggling and Price Differences
Despite progress in stabilising supply, Dangote acknowledged that fuel smuggling persists due to price disparities between Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
“Nigeria’s price is about 55% of what neighbouring countries sell. They’re selling at almost ₦1,500–₦1,600 per litre, while we’re selling at about ₦800-plus. No matter how you police the borders, people will smuggle because there is so much money to be made.”
Still, he said ongoing improvements and regulatory cooperation are gradually reducing the scale of smuggling.
Beyond Fuel: Africa-Wide Fertilizer Supply
Dangote also outlined expansion plans for the Dangote Fertilizer Company, which is set to produce 12 million tonnes of urea annually — surpassing output levels in Russia and Qatar.
The aim is to supply not only Nigeria but the entire African continent, making Nigeria a continental leader in fertilizer production and agricultural inputs.
A New Era of Energy Stability
With 50 million litres of daily PMS supply now guaranteed — and higher volumes coming — the Dangote Refinery positions itself as the backbone of Nigeria’s fuel security.
If sustained, the bold commitments made by Aliko Dangote will mark the end of the country’s 50-year struggle with fuel shortages, usher in new economic opportunities, and elevate Nigeria to a central role in global refining and petrochemical markets.
May Nigeria succeed.
