Marketers Urge FRSC to Probe Dangote’s Road Safety Records

The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMA) has called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to investigate the road safety compliance of Dangote Refinery’s newly deployed 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks.

The appeal follows Dangote’s recent announcement of the rollout of the trucks, with the first batch already deployed in Lagos as part of its direct fuel distribution scheme. According to the company, the fleet will help stabilise fuel supply, reduce costs, modernise distribution, and create over 24,000 jobs nationwide.

But DAPPMA raised concerns over potential risks if the trucks and drivers are not thoroughly vetted. “While we acknowledge the significance of Dangote’s investment, public safety must remain a priority,” a DAPPMA spokesperson said. “We urge the FRSC to conduct a comprehensive safety audit of the vehicles, including roadworthiness, load limits, and driver training, before allowing their full deployment across Nigeria.”

In response, Dangote Group dismissed allegations that the trucks could threaten road users or lead to monopolistic control of the fuel distribution system. “This initiative is not about displacing anyone; it is about improving efficiency and creating opportunities,” the company’s spokesperson stated. “All our trucks comply with international safety standards, and we remain committed to ensuring they operate under Nigeria’s regulatory framework.”

The FRSC has yet to issue an official statement, but stakeholders say the agency’s decision will be crucial in shaping public confidence in the adoption of CNG-powered trucks for large-scale fuel transport. Analysts also note that the development could influence how quickly Nigeria transitions from diesel to cleaner energy alternatives in the transport sector.

By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola