Dangote Rolls Out 10,000 CNG Trucks, Vows 24,000 Jobs as NUPENG Threatens Strike

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Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has unveiled plans to deploy 10,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks by November 2025, a move he says will create 24,000 jobs for Nigerians while transforming the country’s energy and logistics sector.

The fleet includes 4,000 fuel tankers and 6,000 dry cargo vehicles, designed to ease fuel distribution, stabilize supply chains, and cut transportation costs.

Dangote made the announcement at a Monday press conference, where he also hit back at the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG). The union has threatened nationwide strikes, accusing his refinery of displacing drivers, breaching a labor pact, and undermining union rights.

But Dangote dismissed the concerns outright:

“I laughed when… what do you call them? NUPENG. They said there will be job losses, but we not only bought 4,000 CNG trucks; we bought 10,000—4,000 tankers and 6,000 dry cargo. Our drivers can apply for housing loans. They earn more than graduates. Any NUPENG driver without a job is welcome to join and earn more money,” he said.

According to him, the new jobs come with triple the minimum wage, plus housing loans, health insurance, and other benefits—a package he described as unmatched in Nigeria’s transport sector.

Beyond employment, Dangote stressed the economic relief his refinery has delivered, claiming that petrol prices have dropped by ₦259 per liter over the past year and that nationwide fuel queues are now a thing of the past.

The announcement has drawn mixed reactions. While many Nigerians praised the billionaire for his investment in jobs and cheaper fuel, labor activists warn of potential monopoly risks, calling on government regulators to safeguard fair competition and protect workers’ rights.

Social Media Reactions

On X (formerly Twitter), the news dominated trends under hashtags like #DangoteCNG, #24kJobs, and #NUPENG.

One user wrote: “Love him or hate him, Dangote is moving Nigeria forward. 24,000 jobs in one breath? That’s leadership.”

Another countered: “This man is becoming too powerful. Monopoly is dangerous. Govt must act before it’s too late.”

Others focused on the green energy angle: “CNG is the future. If Dangote can prove it works, this could be the biggest step towards cleaner transport in Nigeria.”

With the launch of his CNG-powered fleet, Dangote isn’t just betting on jobs and cheaper transport—he’s positioning Nigeria at the forefront of a clean energy transition that could reshape the economy and daily life for millions.