Aliko Dangote confirms plans to import electric trucks as part of fuel distribution strategy, citing safety concerns and global energy shifts

Speaking on Monday at the rollout of the company’s compressed natural gas-powered trucks, the billionaire businessman said the move would mark the next phase of the group’s operations after the deployment of 4,000 CNG trucks expected to arrive in Nigeria before next month.

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“For the next phase of this, from January, we are looking at even electric vehicles,” Dangote revealed, stressing that safety and modernisation were central to the decision.

The industrialist explained that older vehicles posed significant risks to the company’s investment. “You can’t tell me to keep using these old trucks. And now if there is an accident, you want to come and say sorry? We have to safeguard our own investment,” he said.

Dangote also raised concerns about deliberate sabotage, warning that poorly maintained trucks could cause avoidable accidents capable of disrupting fuel distribution.

Responding to questions about charging infrastructure, he shared his experience abroad with an Uber driver who operated a Tesla. The driver reportedly told him that a full charge cost €20 and could power the car for up to 500 kilometres.

The Africa’s richest man underlined that the world was moving towards cleaner and more efficient energy solutions, and Nigerian businesses must adapt to stay competitive.

“Things have changed, and all of us will have to keep changing because if not, you will become archaic. Yes, you have to change,” Dangote emphasised.

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Industry watchers see the potential shift to electric trucks as a powerful signal that Nigeria’s largest private refinery is willing to lead the way in energy transition, even as the country grapples with infrastructure challenges.