The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has called for support for Dangote refinery amid face-off with Nigerian government agencies.
Dangote has been facing challenges with the government regarding his refinery project in Lagos. He previously reported that a cabal was obstructing his attempts to import crude and that difficulties in securing products were hindering operations.
The situation worsened when the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) announced that the government had yet to license the Dangote refinery to commence operations.
Farouk Ahmed, the chief executive officer of NMDPRA, made this disclosure while speaking with journalists at the State House on Thursday.
According to Ahmed, claims that ongoing efforts by International Oil Companies to undermine Dangote’s refinery operations were due to a lack of crude oil supply are unfounded, emphasizing that the refinery is still in the pre-commissioning stage and has not been licensed yet.
Ahmed also stated that the diesel produced by Dangote’s refinery does not meet international standards, a claim that the businessman contested during an interactive session over the weekend.
But at an interactive session with House of Representatives members at the weekend, Dangote countered the claim, saying the diesel from his refinery is of a very high standard.
However, Obi in a post on his X account, said the “conflicts between Dangote Industries and some government agencies are deeply troubling,” as “This issue transcends political affiliations and personal grievances. It is fundamentally about Nigeria’s economy, future, and the well-being of its citizens. Given Alhaji Dangote’s significant contributions to Nigeria, it is crucial that these disputes are resolved swiftly.”
The former Anambra governor insisted that “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 further stated”Its strategic importance in addressing Nigeria’s fuel crisis, boosting foreign exchange earnings, and fostering economic growth cannot be overstated. The refinery is too vital to fail and must not be hindered, considering its crucial role in our national welfare.
“The Federal Government and its agencies need to recognize the significance of Dangote’s contributions. Alhaji Dangote is not just a businessman; he is a national and African brand symbolizing patriotism, commitment, and impactful entrepreneurship.”
Highlighting Dangote’s contributions to the development of Nigeria’s economy, Obi added that in the face of the challenges facing the country, Africa’s richest man needs to be protected in the interest of Nigeria.
“Despite operating in a challenging business environment, he has established a remarkable industrial hub in Nigeria, encompassing over 15 sectors, including cement, sugar, salt, fertilizer, infrastructure, tomatoes, automotive, energy, petrochemicals, rice, poly sacks, real estate, mining, logistics, and maritime. Alhaji Dangote’s unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s industrialization, job creation, and economic growth, despite adversities, warrants full support and protection.
“With economic indicators like unemployment, inflation, forex scarcity, and debt worsening, every sensible and patriotic government should regard enterprises like Dangote Industries as national treasures, meriting 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.
“The success of Dangote is intrinsically linked to the success of Nigeria and Africa; conversely, its failure would be a significant setback for both Nigeria and the continent.”
