From David Onuoja, Abuja
Dangote Cement Plc, has promised to key into the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) policy of President Bola Tinubu by investing $280 million in technology and infrastructure.
The Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Arvind Pathak, said the investment is aimed at acquiring 100% of CNG trucks as part of a long-term plan to transition its entire fleet to CNG.
Pathak, said the over $280m investment is not only to solidify its leadership in the CNG sector, but also reflects its dedication to mitigating climate change and supporting a transition to a low-carbon economy.
He added that this would provide cheaper and cleaner fuelling alternatives for all Nigerians.
Speaking further, Pathak stated that the move marks a significant milestone in Dangote’s clean energy transition, with the objective of operating most of its fleet on CNG by mid-2026.
As at October, the company has received its first batch of 1,500 mono-fuel CNG trucks while expecting additional 1,600 CNG trucks; totalling 3,100 before the end of 2024.
He added that, “By mid- 2026, Dangote Cement’s aim is to operate a fleet predominantly powered by CNG. To facilitate this transformation, we are investing by expanding our CNG fuelling infrastructure, ensuring that our growing fleet has reliable access to CNG as our fuel.
“We are keeping our eyes on the ball to ensure that we do not miss our target dates of full compliance.”
On his part, the President/Chief Executive, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said the company’s investments in CNG are also in line with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, which aims for net-zero emissions by 2060.
“In the pursuit of transition to clean energy, we are optimistic of remarkable accomplishment by President Tinubu, as he has taken the lead in the nation’s drive towards energy efficiency. This presupposes private sector intervention to support this noble idea initiated by the President.
“The company’s early adoption of CNG has made it the largest operator of CNG trucks in Nigeria, emphasising that the initiative is a boost to President Tinubu’s quest towards enhancing the nation’s energy independence and contributing to a more secure energy future,” Dangote added.
It would be recalled that President Tinubu, whose commitment to CNG deployment and clean energy is unmatched in Africa, has maintained his administration’s drive to create a conducive environment for private sector investments and expand Nigeria’s CNG infrastructure to enhance energy efficiency and drive economic growth.
