Former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has urged the Federal Government to address and resolve the conflicting issues between Dangote Industries and various government agencies.
In a statement via X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday titled “Dangote Refinery Should Be Fully Supported, Not Vilified,” Obi emphasized the importance of the Dangote Refinery to Nigeria’s economy and called for full support rather than criticism.
Peter Obi’s call for the Federal Government to resolve the ongoing disputes between Dangote Industries and government agencies comes amid significant challenges faced by the Dangote Refinery project in Lagos.
Initially, Dangote expressed frustrations about obstacles preventing the import of crude oil and difficulties obtaining necessary products, which have hampered the refinery’s progress.
The situation intensified when the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) announced that the government had not yet granted the necessary licenses for the refinery to commence operations.
Reacting to these developments, Peter Obi stressed that resolving this issue transcends political affiliations and personal grievances.
He emphasized the need for swift resolution, considering Dangote’s substantial contributions to Nigeria’s economy. Obi asserted that government agencies should be directed to provide the necessary support to ensure the seamless launch and operation of the Dangote Refinery.
Obi highlighted the potential benefits of the refinery, noting that it could generate approximately $21 billion in annual revenue and create over 100,000 jobs, along with numerous additional positive impacts on the economy.
He urged the government to facilitate a conducive environment for such significant private sector investments, which play a crucial role in the nation’s economic development.
The statement read, “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.
“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.
“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.”