The presidential candidate of the Labour Party during the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to direct its agencies to give Aliko Dangote all the necessary support he needs for his industries to thrive.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, made this request via official X handle Tuesday morning in a statement titled: ‘Dangote Refinery Should Be Fully Supported, Not Vilified.’
Recall that Dangote has been embroiled in disputes with the Nigerian government concerning his refinery project in Lagos.
Initially, Dangote shared his frustrations regarding a group obstructing his efforts to import crude oil and the subsequent challenges in obtaining necessary products, which have impeded the progress of operations.
However, the situation escalated when Mr. Farouk Ahmed, Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) announced that the government had not yet granted the necessary licenses for Dangote’s refinery to commence operations.
Wading into the issue, Peter Obi held that the issue transcends political affiliation and personal grievances, which should be resolved swiftly, considering Dangote’s contribution to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Obi wrote, “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 called on Government agencies 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.
“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,” he said.
He further noted that 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.
Obi closed his statement by further calling on the government to give Dangote the necessary support Dangote needs.
“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.”
