On Tuesday, a host of influential Nigerians voiced strong support for Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group and Africa’s richest person, amid ongoing disagreements between Dangote’s management and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola took to social media, emphasizing Dangote’s substantial contributions to Nigeria’s industrial sector. Otedola highlighted Dangote’s achievements, including the construction of the world’s largest single-train refinery and the second-largest sugar refinery, both located in Lagos. He argued that Dangote’s investments in Nigeria surpass those in many other countries and are critical for the nation’s economic health.
Otedola wrote, “My brother, the visionary, has built the largest single train refinery in the world, not in Kano, but in Lagos State. He is the owner of the second-largest sugar refinery in the world, also in Lagos State… Aliko Dangote is a titan that God created especially for mankind.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also weighed in, describing the dispute as “troubling” and stressing the importance of the Dangote refinery for Nigeria’s energy and economic stability. Atiku warned that ongoing conflicts could deter foreign investors and urged the government to protect this crucial investment.
Atiku stated, “The Dangote Refinery, our nation’s largest private investment, is crucial for Nigeria’s energy and economic stability… Protecting significant investments, like Dangote’s, is essential to attract FDI and drive our economic growth.”
Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, echoed similar sentiments. Obi called for full support for the Dangote refinery, emphasizing that the conflict with government agencies transcends personal grievances and is central to Nigeria’s economic future.
Obi stated, “The refinery has the potential to generate approximately $21 billion in annual revenue and create over 100,000 jobs… Its strategic importance in addressing Nigeria’s fuel crisis, boosting foreign exchange earnings, and fostering economic growth cannot be overstated.”
The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) also voiced their support for Dangote. NACCIMA emphasized the need to protect local industries, calling the current conflict “counterproductive” and detrimental to Nigeria’s development. MAN’s Director General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, urged government agencies to create a favorable environment for local investments.
Ajayi-Kadir added, “The Dangote refinery is deserving of government protection and support… We should never encourage or promote a preference for imported products over local alternatives.”
The dispute between Dangote’s management and the NMDPRA has intensified following allegations from NMDPRA’s CEO, Farouk Ahmed, regarding the quality of products from the refinery. Ahmed claimed that Dangote’s refinery, still in its pre-commissioning stage, was producing lower-quality diesel and jet fuel compared to imports. Dangote’s team has refuted these claims, asserting that their products meet high standards.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, has attempted to mediate, meeting with both parties in an effort to resolve the conflict.
