Former governor of Anambra State and ex-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has voiced his concern over recent conflicts between Dangote Industries and some government agencies.
Obi’s statement of support for the billionaire industrialist came hours after a former minister and president of the African Development Bank, Akinwunmi Adesina, also spoke in support of the embattled businessman.
Dangote, Africa’s richest man, has been embroiled in a squabble with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and other oil regulators.
Reports circulating online, including statements from Farouk Ahmed, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), suggested that local refineries, including the Dangote refinery, were producing inferior products compared to imports.
The company’s spokesperson, Anthony Chiejina, later labelled the reports of producing high-sulfur diesel as “mischievous and aimed at tarnishing our reputation.”
Obi emphasised that these disputes go beyond politics and personal issues, affecting Nigeria’s economy, future, and the well-being of its citizens.
He stressed that the founder of Dangote Industries, Aliko Dangote, has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s development.
The Labour Party chieftain stressed the importance of quickly resolving these conflicts and urged government agencies to support the smooth launch and operation of the Dangote Refinery.
The refinery is projected to generate around $21 billion in annual revenue and create over 100,000 jobs, significantly boosting the economy.
He said, “Given Alhaji Dangote’s significant contributions to Nigeria, it is crucial that these disputes are resolved swiftly. Government agencies should be directed to offer the necessary support for the seamless launch and operation of the
Dangote Refinery and its associated enterprises.
“The refinery has the potential to generate approximately $21 billion in annual revenue and create over 100,000 jobs, with numerous additional positive impacts on the economy.”
Obi highlighted the refinery’s critical role in solving Nigeria’s fuel crisis, increasing foreign exchange earnings, and fostering economic growth.
He stated, “The refinery is too vital to fail and must not be hindered, considering its crucial role in our national welfare.”
He called on the Federal Government and its agencies to recognize Dangote’s immense contributions.
“Alhaji Dangote is not just a businessman; he is a national and African brand symbolizing patriotism, commitment, and impactful entrepreneurship,” Obi said.
Dangote operates in a vast industrial hub encompassing over 15 sectors, including cement, sugar, salt, fertilizer, infrastructure, tomatoes, automotive, energy, petrochemicals, rice, poly sacks, real estate, mining, logistics, and maritime.
Obi praised Dangote’s dedication to Nigeria’s industrialization, job creation, and economic growth.
He pointed out that with rising unemployment, inflation, forex scarcity, and debt, any sensible and patriotic government should consider enterprises like Dangote Industries as national treasures deserving of robust support and protection.
“In the interest of Nigeria and its citizens, as well as Africans at large, I urge the Federal Government and its agencies to provide Dangote Industries, especially the refinery, with all necessary support,” Obi stated.
He concluded by emphasizing that Dangote’s success is intrinsically linked to the success of Nigeria and Africa, and its failure would be a significant setback for both.
