“Petrol Not Expensive in Nigeria” – Dangote Defends Fuel Price, Honours Tinubu at Refinery Launch

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, says Nigerians are paying one of the lowest petrol prices in the West African region, despite ongoing public frustration over rising fuel costs.

Speaking at the launch of the Deep Sea Port Access Road reconstruction in Lagos on Thursday, June 6, Dangote said:

“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 about N1,600.”

He argued that, in comparison with neighbouring countries, Nigerians are still getting fuel at relatively cheaper rates—even amid a struggling economy and public outcry.

Dangote also claimed the recent surge in petrol supply has eased the pressure on filling stations nationwide:

“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.”

His remarks come at a time when fuel prices in Nigeria are hovering between N800 and over N1,000 per litre, prompting protests and public complaints about cost of living.

In a symbolic gesture during the event, Dangote also announced that the access road to the Dangote Refinery has been named after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing the president’s “unwavering support” for the project.

The development comes as Dangote’s refinery continues to position itself as a major player in Nigeria’s energy landscape, with the capacity to reduce the country’s dependence on fuel imports and, potentially, stabilise local pricing in the long term.

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