In a significant gesture to honor Nigeria’s sitting President, Africa’s richest man and President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has named the access road leading to the Dangote Refinery in Lagos State after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The announcement was made during the launch ceremony of the reconstruction of the Deep Sea Port Access Road on Thursday, marking a symbolic moment for Nigeria’s energy and infrastructure sectors.
Dangote, whose $20 billion refinery is touted as the largest single-train refinery in the world, expressed confidence in the long-term impact of the refinery on Nigeria’s fuel supply and economy. “It is only fitting that this road, which will serve as a vital artery to the economic transformation that the refinery represents, bears the name of a leader who has played a crucial role in enabling private sector-driven development,” he stated.
End of Fuel Scarcity in Sight
During the event, Dangote also addressed Nigeria’s chronic fuel supply issues, confidently declaring that the era of petrol shortages and long queues at fuel stations is finally over.
“The majority of fuel stations that were not working, they are now back to work; there is no more shortage, no more queues, and there will never be,” he said with conviction.
The Dangote Refinery, which began operations earlier this year, is already contributing to the stabilization of fuel distribution across the country. Previously, many fuel stations had been shut down due to the unavailability of refined products, leaving motorists and commuters stranded in long lines. Dangote’s remarks on Thursday signal a turning point in what has long been one of Nigeria’s most persistent economic frustrations.
Fuel Prices Still Cheaper in Nigeria
Addressing public concerns about the rising price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), or petrol, Dangote emphasized that Nigeria still has one of the lowest fuel prices in West Africa despite recent price adjustments.
“Some people here in Nigeria might think that petrol at less than N900 is expensive, but there is nowhere in West Africa where petrol is not selling above $1, which is around N1,600,” Dangote explained.
Currently, petrol prices across Nigeria vary between N800 and N1,000 per litre, depending on the region and proximity to supply sources. Despite the hike, Dangote argued that local prices remain relatively modest when compared to other countries in the region.
His remarks come as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) transitions away from subsidized fuel imports toward domestically refined products, a move expected to save billions in foreign exchange and reduce pressure on the naira.
Boost for the Economy and Infrastructure
The commissioning of the Deep Sea Port Access Road reconstruction project in Lagos marks another step in Dangote’s wider infrastructure agenda. The access road is a key logistical link for the refinery and adjoining port facilities, ensuring smooth transportation of goods, including petroleum products, within and beyond Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Dangote reiterated his commitment to national development through world-class private sector investments. “This project is not just about business; it is about our commitment to making Nigeria self-sufficient in fuel production and creating a new narrative for economic growth,” he stated.
The Dangote Refinery has a production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day and is expected to meet all of Nigeria’s fuel needs, with surplus capacity available for export. This is expected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependency on imported refined products, which had historically cost the country billions of dollars annually.
Recognition of President Tinubu’s Role
Naming the refinery access road after President Tinubu also served as an acknowledgment of the President’s long-standing advocacy for private sector-led industrialization and his role in enabling strategic investments in Nigeria.
Though the move has already sparked political conversation online, many observers see it as a nod to Tinubu’s economic reform agenda and a sign of close collaboration between influential business leaders and the current administration.
President Tinubu has maintained that his government supports private enterprises as the engine of growth and has vowed to create a business-friendly environment to attract more investment in critical sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Public Reactions Mixed but Hopeful
On social media and in the streets, public reactions to Dangote’s announcement have been mixed. While some Nigerians have welcomed the assurance of stable fuel supply, others remain skeptical about the sustainability of current fuel prices amid rising inflation and a depreciating naira.
“I’m happy that fuel queues are disappearing, but N900 per litre is still a burden for the average Nigerian,” said James Chukwu, a Lagos-based commercial driver. “We need more than talk — we need price stability and better wages.”
Others expressed appreciation for the progress being made. “If Dangote’s refinery can end fuel scarcity and save us from imports, then naming the road after the president is a small price to pay,” said Amina Bello, a businesswoman in Kano.
Looking Ahead
With the Dangote Refinery now playing a central role in Nigeria’s energy future, the stakes are high. Industry experts say the success of this project could redefine Nigeria’s position in the global oil market and serve as a model for industrial development across Africa.
As the refinery ramps up production and the country gradually weans itself off imported fuel, the hope is that Nigerians will benefit not only from improved access but also from long-term economic gains — lower transportation costs, more jobs, and increased foreign investment.
Aliko Dangote concluded his remarks with a note of optimism: “This is a new chapter for Nigeria. We are not just refining oil; we are refining our future.”
