Dangote Cement Invests Over 280 Million in Nigeria’s CNG
… Largest Operator of CNG Trucks in Nation Backs Tinubu’s Clean Energy Drive
In a major boost to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s push for a cleaner and more affordable energy landscape, Dangote Cement Plc has announced a substantial investment of over $280 million in compressed natural gas (CNG) infrastructure and technology. The move aligns with Tinubu’s vision to transform Nigeria’s transport sector by promoting CNG as a sustainable alternative fuel.
President Tinubu, whose administration is dedicated to clean energy and economic growth, recently initiated a large-scale CNG programme, including the distribution of 1 million free CNG conversion kits for vehicles that transport people, food, and goods. Highlighting the country’s vast natural gas resources, Tinubu underscored CNG’s potential in driving cost-effective and sustainable transport. “Utilising natural gas to power Nigeria’s transportation industry is the next way to go,” he stated.
In support, Dangote Cement’s over $280 million investment underscores its role as a leader in CNG adoption. The company’s Group Managing Director, Arvind Pathak, announced a phased plan to convert the company’s fleet to 100% CNG, with the goal of predominantly CNG-powered operations by mid-2026. Pathak explained, “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.”
As part of the investment, Dangote Cement has already received 1,500 mono-fuel CNG trucks, with an additional 1,600 expected before year’s end, bringing the total fleet to 3,100. To support these operations, the company has established a CNG refuelling station at Obajana, capable of serving over 3,000 trucks. A second station is underway at Ibese, aimed at bolstering fleet operations further.
Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, affirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Tinubu’s clean energy agenda, noting, “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.”
The adoption of CNG vehicles also aligns with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, which seeks net-zero emissions by 2060. Dangote added, “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.”
With this significant investment, Dangote Cement not only reinforces its environmental commitment but also becomes the largest operator of CNG trucks in Nigeria, advancing the country’s journey toward energy independence and a sustainable future. How Primate Ayodele Warned COAS, Taoreed Lagbaja
