President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has shared that a wealthy friend who had previously advised him against investing in Nigeria is now taunting him for ignoring his advice.
This disclosure came amid reports that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) criticised the quality of diesel from the Dangote Refinery.
In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Dangote reflected on the advice he received four years ago from a friend who chose to invest abroad due to concerns over policy inconsistencies and interest group shenanigans in Nigeria.
“Four years ago, one of my very wealthy friends began to invest his money abroad. I disagreed with him and urged him to rethink his actions in the interest of his country.
“He blamed his action on policy inconsistencies and shenanigans of interest groups.
“That friend has been taunting me in the past few days, saying he warned me and that he has been proven right,” Dangote was quoted to have said.
Dangote, who is 67 years old, expressed his commitment to solving Nigeria’s longstanding fuel crisis through the refinery.
He voiced frustration over what he perceives as efforts to undermine his investment, despite the refinery’s potential to provide high-quality products and create jobs.
Dangote indicated that if necessary, he would be willing to sell the refinery to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to ensure its operation and benefit the country.
He said, “As you probably know, I am 67 years old. In less than three years, I will be 70. I need very little to live the rest of my life. I can’t take the refinery or any other property or asset to my grave. Everything I do is in the interest of my country.’
“We have been facing a fuel crisis since the 70s. This refinery can help in resolving the problem but it does appear some people are uncomfortable that I am in the picture. So I am ready to let go, let the NNPC buy me out, run the refinery.
“This refinery can help in resolving the problem but it does appear some people are uncomfortable that I am in the picture. So I am ready to let go, let the NNPC buy me out, and run the refinery. At least the country will have high-quality products and create jobs.”
The NMDPRA had stated that the Dangote Refinery is still in the pre-commissioning stage and has not been licensed to begin operations.
The Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Farouk Ahmed, also raised concerns about the quality of diesel produced by the refinery, which Dangote has disputed.
