Former Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023, Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to resolve the ongoing issues between Dangote Industries and government agencies.
Peter Obi, who was the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, made this appeal in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, titled: “Dangote Refinery Should Be Fully Supported, Not Vilified.”
This call comes amidst disputes between Aliko Dangote and the Nigerian government over his refinery project in Lagos. Dangote had previously expressed his frustrations over obstacles hindering his crude oil imports and obtaining necessary products, affecting the progress of his operations.
The situation intensified when the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) announced that the government had not yet granted the required licenses for the refinery to commence operations.
Reacting to these developments, Peter Obi emphasized that the issue goes beyond political affiliations and personal grievances, urging for a swift resolution due to Dangote’s significant contributions to Nigeria.
Obi stated that government agencies should be directed to provide the necessary support for the smooth launch and operation of the Dangote Refinery. He highlighted the refinery’s potential to generate approximately $21 billion in annual revenue and create over 100,000 jobs, alongside numerous other positive impacts on the economy.
“The recent conflicts between Dangote Industries and some government agencies are deeply troubling. 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,” Obi’s statement read.
He further emphasized the strategic importance of the refinery in addressing Nigeria’s fuel crisis and boosting foreign exchange earnings.
“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.
“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.”
