Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has said the company is now considering the importation of electric trucks as part of its long-term strategy to modernize fuel distribution in Nigeria. This comes on the heels of the group’s large-scale rollout of compressed natural gas (CNG) powered trucks, which are to be used for direct fuel delivery to filling stations.

According to Dangote, about 4,000 CNG trucks are expected to arrive in Nigeria imminently to distribute Dangote fuel at no cost to customers. The larger plan targets a fleet of 10,000 CNG-powered trucks (including both fuel tankers and dry cargo carriers), which will help reduce logistics costs and improve efficiency.

While new CNG trucks are already arriving and being deployed, Dangote said that from January 2026, electric vehicles will be considered for inclusion in the fleet. The justification: Old trucks come with safety risks and high operating/maintenance costs. “You can’t tell me to keep using these old trucks… if there is an accident … we have to safeguard our own investment,” Dangote asserted.

One concern often raised in conversations about electric trucks is infrastructure—especially charging stations. Dangote recalled telling how an Uber driver using a Tesla abroad told him it costs about €20 to fully charge a battery capable of driving 500 km. This anecdote underscores that while costs are decreasing and EV usage is more common elsewhere, Nigeria will need to ramp up infrastructural readiness. Punch Newspapers

Dangote emphasized that change is necessary: without adaptation, businesses become outdated. He said, “Things have changed, and all of us will have to keep changing because if not, you will become archaic.”