In a robust demonstration of its commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative, Dangote Cement Plc has invested over $280 million to advance Nigeria’s clean energy ambitions.
This strategic move supports the president’s vision of providing affordable and environmentally friendly energy alternatives, with the private sector playing a significant role in Nigeria’s energy transformation. The development, reported by fasnewsng.com, underscores Dangote Cement’s proactive role in expanding the nation’s CNG infrastructure, which is pivotal to Nigeria’s economic and environmental progress.
The CNG Initiative, part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to leverage Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources to power transportation, ultimately lowering fuel costs for Nigerians and reducing greenhouse emissions. To accelerate this shift, the President has announced the distribution of one million free CNG conversion kits for commercial vehicles nationwide. At a recent event, President Tinubu emphasized that embracing CNG technology is no longer optional, calling it an economic necessity for Nigeria’s future.
Dangote Cement’s investments are in line with this vision. Arvind Pathak, Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, revealed the company’s plans to transition its entire fleet to CNG as a long-term strategy. Already, the first batch of 1,500 mono-fuel CNG trucks has been received, with an additional 1,600 expected by year-end. “By mid-2026, Dangote Cement aims to operate a fleet predominantly powered by CNG,” Pathak noted, highlighting the company’s ambitious goals to ensure timely transition.
The cement giant is not only focused on converting its fleet but is also making strides in establishing a reliable CNG refuelling infrastructure to support this transition. Its state-of-the-art CNG refuelling station at Obajana, with the capacity to refuel over 3,000 trucks, stands as one of the most advanced in the region. Plans are also underway for a second CNG refuelling station in Ibese, which will further support Dangote’s growing CNG fleet and facilitate smoother transportation logistics across Nigeria.
Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of the Dangote Group, commended the administration’s push for cleaner energy and affirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) goals under the Paris Agreement. He noted that Dangote Cement’s early adoption of CNG technology has positioned it as the largest operator of CNG trucks in Nigeria. This move, he added, aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of reducing the nation’s dependency on imported fuel while fostering a sustainable energy future.
“We are optimistic that President Tinubu’s leadership will drive remarkable progress toward energy efficiency in Nigeria, and we are proud to support this noble agenda with our investment in CNG,” Dangote stated. This step not only aids in achieving a cleaner environment but also reinforces Nigeria’s energy independence by reducing reliance on conventional fossil fuels.
Through these substantial investments and proactive initiatives, Dangote Cement is leading the charge in Nigeria’s clean energy transition, setting a standard for corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship. The impact of this CNG expansion on Nigeria’s economy and environment is anticipated to be profound, with Dangote Cement’s efforts supporting a cleaner, more sustainable future for the nation.
By Lekan Olofinsusi