Photo caption: Dangote fuel distribution trucks
*Dangote Group investing over N720bn in the programme
By Emeka Ugwuanyi
The Dangote refinery will start the free fuel distribution scheme on Monday, 15th September, 2025 as part of its logistics-free distribution programme aimed at significantly reducing fuel prices across Nigeria.
The Dangote Group spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, said in a statement that the scheme would start with the South-West, the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Kwara, Delta, Rivers and Edo States.
He added that the refinery has also dropped petrol retail prices to N841 per litre in Lagos and the South-West and N851 per litre in Abuja, Edo, Kwara, Rivers and Delta States, while those loading from the gantry would be paying N820 per litre .
“We are starting the free fuel distribution scheme on Monday. We will start with Lagos and the South West, Abuja, Kwara, Delta, Rivers and Edo States. There will be a drop in price effective on Monday when the free distribution starts,” the firm stated.
Recall that the free fuel distribution scheme was supposed to have started in August, but it was delayed due to logistics challenges in China. Our correspondent learnt that over 1,000 trucks have been received by the refinery for the commencement of the programme.
More states are expected to benefit from the scheme as more trucks arrive in Nigeria. In a recent statement, Dangote said it embarked on a large-scale CNG-powered truck roll-out to boost logistic strength and cost reductions across the distribution value chain of the domestic economy.
“Even though we recently noticed how the CNG prices doubled a week ago, that will not deter our 10,000 CNG truck roll-out this year,” the company said.
The statement noted that the first phase of the deployment will cover the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos, Kwara, Delta, Edo, Rivers and South West states, with nationwide expansion planned as additional trucks are delivered.
This transition to CNG-powered transportation is expected to save the Nigerian economy over N1.8 trillion annually. The move is designed to cut fuel distribution costs, reduce pump prices, and ease inflationary pressures. In particular, the initiative is expected to benefit more than 42 million micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by lowering energy costs and improving profit margins.
Dangote Group is investing over N720 billion into the programme, which is also anticipated to revitalise dormant filling stations across the country. The project is expected to create numerous direct employment opportunities, including roles for truck drivers, filling station managers, and fuel attendants.
The company has called on stakeholders, including fuel station operators, telecommunications companies, and large-scale fuel consumers to partner with the initiative to ensure its success and maximise its economic impact.
