Dangote pumps over $280m into Tinubu’s CNG initiative, becomes largest operator

Tinubu’s Naira-for-Crude Initiative Behind Drop in Petrol Prices” – Dangote Refinery

Dangote Cement Plc has made significant investments exceeding $280 million in compressed natural gas (CNG) technology and infrastructure, a move intended to support President Bola Tinubu’s CNG Initiative.

The Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG) is aimed at providing cheaper fuelling alternatives to all Nigerians amid soaring petrol prices and kick-starts the nation’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

The Dangote investment, approximately ₦460 billion, not only solidifies the company’s leadership in the CNG sector but also reflects its dedication to mitigating climate change and supporting a transition to clean energy.

The Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Arvind Pathak, said the investment aims to acquire 100% CNG trucks as part of a long-term plan to transition its fleet to CNG.

It disclosed that an initial batch of 1,500 mono-fuel CNG trucks will be acquired, followed by an additional 1,600 trucks, totalling 3,100 by year-end.

Pathak stressed that the initiative underscores Dangote’s dedication to mitigating climate change and aligns itself with Tinubu’s vision to create a conducive environment for private sector investments and expand Nigeria’s CNG infrastructure to enhance energy efficiency and drive economic growth.

“By mid-2026, Dangote Cement aims to operate a fleet predominantly powered by CNG. To facilitate this transformation, we are investing in expanding our CNG fuelling infrastructure, ensuring that our growing fleet has reliable access to CNG as our fuel,” he stated.

The GMD added that plans are afoot to aggressively pursue this timeline of deployment, beginning in the first quarter of 2025.

“We are keeping our eyes on the ball to ensure that we do not miss our target dates of full compliance,” he said.

Dangote pumps over $280m into Tinubu's CNG initiative, becomes largest operator — Dangote pumps over $280m into Tinubu’s CNG initiative, becomes largest operator

Dangote highlights impacts on Nigeria’s CNG infrastructure

According to Pathak, Dangote’s CNG infrastructure investments have positively influenced Nigeria’s transition to cleaner fuels.

He revealed that the company’s CNG station at Obajana can refuel over 3,000 trucks, and a second station is currently under development in Ibese to further support fleet operations, which exemplifies its commitment.

For his part, President/Chief Executive, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, noted that the company’s investments in CNG are also in line with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, which aims for net-zero emissions by 2060.

“In this pursuit of transition to clean energy, we are optimistic of a remarkable accomplishment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as he has taken the lead in the nation’s drive towards energy efficiency.

“This presupposes private sector intervention to support this noble idea initiated by the President,” Dangote stated.

He also noted that the company’s early adoption of CNG has made it the largest operator of CNG trucks in Nigeria, emphasising that the initiative is a boost to the President’s quest towards enhancing the nation’s energy independence and contributing to a more secure energy future.

According to him: “We are now using CNG vehicles, especially with the new policy of the Federal Government, launched under the Renewed Hope Agenda by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We are committed to a cleaner and greener future.”