Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of the Dangote Group, has thrown his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s ambitious plan to transition Nigeria’s energy reliance from petroleum products to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). Speaking at a recent event, Dangote highlighted how his company’s investments in CNG align with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2060.
Supporting a National Shift to Energy Efficiency
“We’re optimistic about this clean energy transition under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership,” Dangote remarked, applauding Tinubu’s bold steps toward energy efficiency. He emphasized that the private sector plays a crucial role in backing this government-led drive for a sustainable future. Dangote’s early adoption of CNG has made his company the largest operator of CNG trucks in Nigeria, a step he sees as advancing Tinubu’s vision for a more independent and secure energy future.
“With the new policy launched under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we’re committed to a cleaner and greener Nigeria,” he added, reinforcing the company’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint.
CNG in Nigeria’s Transportation Sector: An “Economic Necessity”
President Tinubu has stressed that utilizing Nigeria’s vast natural gas resources is essential to modernizing the country’s transportation sector. He believes CNG is the way forward, marking a fundamental shift in how Nigeria approaches public transportation and energy usage.
“Using natural gas to power Nigeria’s transportation industry is the next step,” Tinubu said, underscoring the economic and environmental benefits of such a shift.
Dangote Cement’s $280 Million Investment in CNG Infrastructure
The Dangote Group isn’t just talking about clean energy—it’s investing heavily in it. Dangote Cement has allocated over $280 million to support Nigeria’s move to CNG, strengthening its position as a leader in the sector and demonstrating its commitment to reducing climate impact.
Arvind Pathak, Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, announced that the company is working to transition its entire fleet to CNG by 2026. “Our goal is to operate a CNG-powered fleet by mid-2026, and we’re expanding our CNG infrastructure to ensure our trucks have reliable fuel access,” Pathak explained.
To support this ambitious target, Dangote Cement has established a CNG station at Obajana capable of refueling over 3,000 trucks, with a second station underway in Ibese. Pathak added, “This investment reflects our commitment to Nigeria’s cleaner fuel transition and reinforces our role in the nation’s sustainable future.”