NARTO commends Dangote Refinery for boosting Nigeria’s economy

By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja

The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has praised the Dangote Group’s investment in local refining, highlighting its transformative impact on petroleum distribution and road transport operations nationwide.

Speaking at NARTO’s 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja, National President Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman described the Dangote Refinery as a “patriotic investment” and a turning point for Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector. He noted that the refinery, along with the importation of about 4,000 trucks to support nationwide distribution, is enhancing logistics, creating thousands of jobs, and improving efficiency.

Othman also highlighted NARTO’s collaboration with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG), which has strengthened mass transit operations. Under the initiative, new fleets—including 14-seater CNG/Petrol buses, 56-seater hybrid CNG/Diesel buses, and 46-seater CNG/Diesel buses—have been deployed for interstate and intra-city shuttle services, reducing transport costs by over 30 per cent. PiCNG has reportedly assured further bus allocations to expand coverage.

Acknowledging regulatory oversight, Othman commended the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and urged the continuation of fair pricing mechanisms to ensure profitability and sector stability.

He further emphasized the importance of partnerships with government and industry stakeholders to enhance efficiency, safety, and stability in petroleum distribution. Reflecting on 2025 achievements, Othman lauded President Bola Tinubu for support through the CNG initiative and ongoing road construction and rehabilitation projects.

The AGM provided NARTO an opportunity to review accomplishments, address challenges, and chart a path for continued growth in Nigeria’s transport and petroleum sectors.

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