Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Group, recently voiced strong support for Nigeria’s transition from petroleum products to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). In a bid to align with Nigeria’s commitment to a net-zero emissions future, Dangote has positioned his company at the forefront of CNG adoption, underscoring both economic and environmental benefits for the country.
CNG: A Path to Cleaner, Greener Transportation
In recent remarks, Dangote expressed optimism that President Tinubu’s energy shift initiative, part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, will bring long-lasting benefits to Nigeria’s economy and environment. “The private sector’s involvement is crucial to advancing this vision, and we are proud to lead by example,” Dangote stated. His company, already the largest operator of CNG trucks in Nigeria, is making significant strides in reducing carbon emissions and boosting energy independence by deploying CNG-powered vehicles.
President Tinubu echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources as a key to economic progress and environmental sustainability. “Harnessing natural gas for transportation is no longer just an option but a necessity,” he said. This shift in policy encourages businesses across Nigeria to adopt CNG in a collective effort to reduce the nation’s reliance on petroleum products, thereby promoting a cleaner energy landscape.
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Dangote Cement’s Pioneering Role in CNG Infrastructure
Dangote Cement, a subsidiary of the Dangote Group, has invested over $280 million to become a leader in the CNG sector. According to Arvind Pathak, Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, the company is working towards operating a fully CNG-powered fleet by mid-2026. “This investment represents our commitment to sustainability and demonstrates how businesses can drive Nigeria’s clean energy transition,” Pathak said.
A key element of this strategy is building the infrastructure necessary to support widespread CNG adoption. Dangote Cement’s flagship CNG station in Obajana can refuel over 3,000 trucks, serving as a reliable fuel source for its fleet. The company is now constructing a second CNG station in Ibese, which will enhance operational efficiency and ensure continuous support for its fleet as it transitions away from diesel.
Aligning with Nigeria’s Global Climate Commitments
The Dangote Group’s shift to CNG aligns with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, where the country has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. This alignment not only reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to combatting climate change but also highlights the critical role of private sector involvement in achieving these targets. Dangote Cement’s CNG program, in particular, contributes to reducing carbon emissions from one of the most energy-intensive industries in the country.
A Model for Sustainable Development in Africa
Dangote’s investments and early adoption of CNG underscore a broader vision for sustainable development across Africa. His company’s pioneering role in adopting clean energy is setting a benchmark for other corporations, both in Nigeria and across the continent. As companies like Dangote Group lead the way in reducing their carbon footprints, they set a powerful example of how businesses can support national energy goals while enhancing operational efficiency.
The transition to CNG presents economic advantages as well. CNG is significantly cheaper than diesel, which helps reduce operating costs—a crucial benefit given the volatility in global oil prices. For businesses and industries in Nigeria, this economic incentive, paired with environmental responsibility, creates a strong case for switching to cleaner fuel sources.
